Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

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Cracker Barrel’s chicken and dumplings is a beloved comfort food classic. This hearty dish brings warmth and coziness to any meal. You can easily make this tasty recipe at home in about 80 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.

The fluffy dumplings soak up the rich chicken broth, creating a satisfying texture. Tender shredded chicken adds protein and flavor to every bite. This recipe serves 8, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings:

For the chicken broth:

• 6 cups chicken stock
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded

For the dumplings:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup buttermilk

You’ll also want to have some extra flour on hand for rolling out the dough. Make sure your chicken is already cooked and shredded before you start. This recipe serves 8 people, so it’s great for family dinners or when you have guests over.

Remember to measure your ingredients carefully for the best results. The butter should be cold and cut into small cubes to mix into the flour easily. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk.

Instructions

Start by warming the chicken stock in a large pot over low heat. This gets the broth ready while you make the dumplings.

Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a big bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a fork until it looks like small crumbs. Pour in the buttermilk and stir to make a shaggy dough.

Put the dough on a floured surface and roll it out to 1/4 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to cut it into small squares, about 1-2 inches each.

Turn up the heat and bring the broth to a boil. Add the dumplings a few at a time, stirring gently. This keeps them from sticking together. Let them cook for about 20 minutes.

Add your shredded chicken to the pot. Cook for 5-10 more minutes until everything is hot.

Your chicken and dumplings are ready to eat! Serve them up in bowls right away while they’re nice and warm. Enjoy your tasty, comforting meal!

Possible Substitutes List

You can make some easy swaps in this Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings recipe. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken: Use turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Chicken stock: Vegetable broth works well too.
• All-purpose flour: Try whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
• Buttermilk: Mix regular milk with a splash of lemon juice.

For the dumplings, you can get creative:

• Add herbs like thyme or parsley to the dough
• Mix in some grated cheese for extra flavor
• Use gluten-free flour if you have a wheat allergy

Don’t have a pizza cutter? A sharp knife will do the job. You can also shape the dumplings by hand if you prefer.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making the recipe your own. Feel free to play around with these ideas!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can make this Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings recipe more diabetes-friendly with a few simple changes. Here are some tips:

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the dumplings. This adds fiber and slows down sugar absorption.

Cut the amount of flour to 2 cups and add 1 cup of almond flour. This lowers the carb count.

Replace the buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice.

Use skinless chicken breast to reduce fat content.

Add extra veggies like carrots, celery, and peas for more nutrients and fiber.

Use low-sodium chicken broth to cut down on salt.

To make the dumplings, mix the flours, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter. Add the almond milk mixture and stir to form a dough.

Roll out the dough and cut into squares as in the original recipe. Cook the dumplings in simmering broth for about 15 minutes.

Add the chicken and veggies, then cook for 5 more minutes. This diabetes-friendly version is still tasty and comforting, but with fewer carbs and more fiber.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

To make perfect dumplings, keep your ingredients cold. Use ice-cold buttermilk and butter straight from the fridge. This helps create flaky, tender dumplings.

Don’t overwork the dough when mixing. Stop as soon as it comes together. Overworking can make tough dumplings.

For extra flavor, add some herbs to your dumplings. Try mixing in chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary.

Make sure your broth is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. This prevents the dumplings from falling apart.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to thin the sauce if needed. Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

You can freeze this dish too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and use within 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

For a time-saving tip, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Just shred it and add to the broth as directed.