Cracker Barrel chicken n’ dumplins

Man, oh man! If there is ever a simple recipe to try, it would be this Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Copycat Recipe. I was able to make this meal from frozen chicken to done in a little less than 30 minutes! I made this recipe with a bag of frozen chicken breast tenders. I totally forgot to defrost something for dinner. My mind was elsewhere, obviously. It wasn’t until about 2 hours before dinner time that I remembered what I forgot.

I ended up boiling the bag of chicken tenders to start my broth mixture and cook the chicken. Chicken always comes out so tender when you boil it. The weather is starting to cool down (Thank GOD!) here in Texas so I am happy to start making dumplings again! We have made many different versions of dumplings, but this recipe might just be my favorite! I might just be saying that because it’s so darn easy. I live for easy nowadays. Who doesn’t, right?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Copycat Recipe is incredibly easy to make, especially when you’re short on time. Using frozen chicken breast tenders means you don’t need to worry about defrosting, and boiling the chicken keeps it tender and juicy. Plus, this dish is perfect for those cooler days when you’re craving something warm and comforting.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Fork or pastry blender
• Rolling pin
• Pizza cutter or knife
• Small spatula

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Flour
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 pinch Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup buttermilk (a bit less than a full cup, or regular milk if needed)
• 2 quarts Chicken Broth
• 3 cups Cooked Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a fork or pastry blender.
2. Stir in the milk, mixing with a fork until the dough forms a ball.
3. Heavily flour a work surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out thin.
4. Dip your cutter in flour and cut the dumplings into squares about 2″x2″. It’s okay for them not to be exact.
5. Use a floured spatula to put them on a heavily floured plate, layering with flour between the dumplings.
6. Bring the chicken broth to a boil. Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring while you add them. The extra flour will help thicken the broth.
7. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are not doughy tasting.
8. Add the cooked chicken to the pot, stir, and you’re done!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your work surface and tools are heavily floured to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Don’t worry about making the dumplings perfectly uniform; rustic cuts add charm and texture.
• Stir the dumplings gently to avoid them sticking together.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a richer flavor, consider adding some herbs like thyme or parsley to the broth. You can also incorporate vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition and color. For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of cream just before serving.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories, Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fats will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used, but this dish is a hearty and satisfying meal that provides a good amount of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Regular milk can be used if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Copycat Recipe is not only a breeze to make, but it also brings the comforting taste of home-cooked meals to your table. I invite you to give this recipe a try and experience its comforting warmth for yourself. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any tweaks you’ve made in the comments below! Enjoy!