CRACKER BARREL HOMEMADE CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS
This Cracker Barrel–inspired homemade chicken and dumplings recipe is warm, comforting, and flavourful. With tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a creamy broth, it’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners and cosy gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken about 3 lbs, cut into pieces
- 8 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 1 onion quartered
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk or milk
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, combine chicken, water, salt, pepper, bay leaves, celery, carrots, and onion. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until chicken is tender (about 45 minutes). Remove chicken, shred meat, and discard bones/skin. Strain broth.
- Make Dumplings: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in buttermilk to form a soft dough. Roll out on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness, then cut into strips or squares.
- Cook Dumplings: Bring the broth to a simmer. Drop dumplings into the pot, one at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes until tender.
- Add Chicken: Stir shredded chicken back into the pot and cook for 5 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Shortcut Option: Use rotisserie chicken and store-bought broth for quicker prep.
- Thicker Broth: Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour mixed with water before adding dumplings.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.