Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins

Imagine a warm, comforting dish that wraps you in a hug of pure Southern hospitality. Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins bring the essence of home-cooked comfort to your kitchen, promising a meal that's both nostalgic and absolutely delicious.

This classic Southern recipe transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming feast that speaks directly to the heart. With tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and a rich, creamy broth, it's like a culinary time machine to grandma's kitchen.

Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins: A Southern Comfort Food Classic

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort chicken dish that has been warming hearts and filling bellies for generations. These chicken and dumplings aren't just a meal – they're a celebration of Southern cooking tradition.

Each spoonful promises a perfect blend of succulent chicken and light, tender dumplings that melt in your mouth.

Serving Suggestions:

Elevate your Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins with these delightful sides:

• Buttered green beans
• Soft buttermilk biscuits
• Collard greens
• Corn on the cob
• Fresh garden salad

Pro Tips for Dumpling Perfection:

Chicken Selection: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves precious cooking time. If using homemade chicken, ensure it's well-seasoned and tender.

Dumpling Technique: Handle the dough gently. Overworking can make the dumplings tough instead of light and fluffy.

Broth Brilliance: Use homemade chicken broth if possible. It adds an extra layer of rich flavor to the dish.

Milk Matters: Buttermilk creates the most tender dumplings. If you're out, whole milk works as a good substitute.

Make-Ahead Magic: The flavors develop beautifully if you let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Equipment: Large pot or Dutch oven, mixing bowl, rolling pin

These Chicken n' Dumplins represent more than just a recipe. They're a culinary tradition that brings families together, telling stories of Southern kitchens and generations of home cooks.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Base:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 quarts (8 cups) chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)

Directions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, promising deliciousness to come.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. Watch as they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet flavor.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The kitchen will now be filled with an irresistible aroma that hints at the comfort food to come.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and drop in the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Add the shredded chicken and let everything simmer gently while you prepare the dumplings.
6. For the dumplings, combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic begins.
7. Add the cold diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Slowly add the buttermilk, stirring until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
9. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness.
10. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 1x2 inch rectangles. Each dumpling will be a little pillow of deliciousness.
11. Bring the broth and chicken mixture back to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the dumplings in, one at a time.
12. Reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
13. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
14. Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the broth thicken and allows the flavors to meld together.

Storage Solutions:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed
• Not recommended for freezing due to dumpling texture
• Best enjoyed fresh, but still delicious as leftovers

Whether you're cooking for family or craving a taste of Southern comfort, these Cracker Barrel Chicken n' Dumplins will transport you to a world of warmth and deliciousness.

So grab your pot, channel your inner Southern cook, and get ready to create a meal that's sure to become a cherished family favorite!

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