Ingredients:
6 cups chicken broth
2 ribs of celery, broken in half
1/2 medium onion (keep it as a chunk of onion)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, each breast cut in half
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 cup + 2 Tbsp milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Broth:
In a stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, celery, onion, and chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, partially covered, for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Make the Dumplings:
While the chicken is cooking, start preparing the dumplings. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk until the mixture forms a shaggy dough. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips or squares, roughly 1 to 2 inches in size.
Cook the Dumplings:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board. Discard the celery and onion pieces from the broth. Add the dough strips to the simmering broth. Let the dumplings cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broth will thicken, creating a rich, gravy-like consistency.
Finish the Dish:
While the dumplings are cooking, shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot, stirring to combine with the dumplings and broth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well-combined and heated through, serve the chicken and dumplings warm. Enjoy the savory, comforting flavors of this Southern classic!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top of your chicken and dumplings for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
Pair with Sides: Serve this dish alongside classic Southern sides like green beans, cornbread, or a crisp garden salad to create a well-rounded meal.
Customize the Dish: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. You can also add vegetables like peas or carrots to make it even heartier.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it tends to thicken in the fridge.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and dumplings in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth as needed to restore the consistency.
Reheating: Reheat the dish on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If reheating in the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
These serving and storage tips will help you enjoy this Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe to the fullest, whether you’re savoring it fresh out of the pot or enjoying leftovers later in the week.
Variations:
1. Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
For an extra rich and creamy version, stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. This adds a luxurious texture and depth of flavor, making the dish even more comforting.
2. Vegetable-Packed Chicken and Dumplings
Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables to the dish. You can include diced carrots, peas, corn, or green beans. Simply add these veggies to the broth during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking the chicken, so they become tender but not overcooked.
3. Herb-Infused Dumplings
Enhance the flavor of your dumplings by mixing fresh or dried herbs into the dough. Chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, or chives work particularly well. This adds a fresh, aromatic twist to the traditional recipe.
4. Cheesy Chicken and Dumplings
For a cheesy variation, sprinkle 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the dumpling dough before cutting it into strips. The cheese will melt into the dumplings as they cook, adding a savory richness to each bite.
5. Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in the dumpling dough with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free. The result is a comforting dish that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.
6. Spicy Chicken and Dumplings
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the broth while it’s simmering. You can also mix a little hot sauce into the dumpling dough or sprinkle it over the finished dish for an extra kick.
7. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
For a hands-off approach, prepare this dish in a slow cooker. Cook the chicken, broth, celery, and onion on low for 4-6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken, shred it, and add the dumpling dough pieces to the slow cooker. Return the chicken to the pot, and let everything cook until the dumplings are tender.
