Easy Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

Introduction

Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of chicken and dumplings, reminiscent of grandma’s cooking, but with a twist that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. Our Easy Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings recipe brings you the quintessential comfort food with a simplicity that’s hard to resist. Using everyday ingredients and a dash of creativity, you’ll be able to replicate the beloved Cracker Barrel favorite in the comfort of your own home. This dish is not just about the taste; it’s about the experience – a hearty, satisfying meal that warms the heart as much as the belly.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: Our recipe strikes a perfect balance between rich, savory flavors and the ease of finding ingredients at your local grocery store.
• Ease of preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion without the hassle.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the end result is a dish that looks and tastes like it was made with much more effort, sure to impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons shortening or butter, for dumplings
• 3/4 cup warm water
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Then, add the chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low and letting simmer.
4. Step 4: To make the dumplings, combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Cut in the shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the warm water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until it becomes smooth. Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a small egg. Once the stew has simmered for about 10 minutes, add the dumplings to the pot, covering it with a lid. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and have floated to the surface.

Handy Tips

• For an extra rich broth, use homemade chicken stock or add a couple of chicken bouillon cubes to the pot.
• Don’t overmix the dumpling dough, as this can make the dumplings dense and tough.
• Consider adding some diced vegetables like carrots or celery to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.

Heat Control

Maintaining the right heat is crucial for this dish. After bringing the broth to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer (low heat) to prevent the dumplings from cooking too quickly on the outside before they’re fully cooked on the inside. This simmering process should take about 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and the chicken is fully cooked.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the texture contrast between the soft, fluffy dumplings and the tender chicken. To achieve the perfect texture, make sure not to overcook the dumplings. They should be soft and light, with just a slight firmness to the bite. The chicken should be cooked until it’s tender and falls apart easily.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the shortening into the flour for the fluffiest dumplings.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot with dumplings; cook them in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
• For easier cleanup, line your work surface with parchment paper or a lightly floured silicone mat when kneading the dumpling dough.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit more chicken broth if the stew has thickened too much.
• Freezing is also an option; let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen stew will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat thawed stew over low heat.
• Consider portioning leftovers into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While chicken and dumplings might not be the first dish that comes to mind for gifting, consider packaging leftovers in decorative, microwave-safe containers for a thoughtful gesture. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top and a warm note, and you’ve turned a comfort food classic into a comforting gift.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the stew for a herbal twist, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Creative toppings: Serve with a dollop of sour cream, some crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Use turkey or beef broth for a different flavor profile, or substitute some of the chicken with diced pork or vegetables for variety.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your dumplings turn out dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough. If they fall apart, they might have been too delicate or not cooked long enough.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of shortening, you can use butter as a substitute. For gluten-free dumplings, consider using gluten-free flour blends.
• Over/undercooking signs: Chicken should be white and firm to the touch when cooked. Dumplings are done when they float to the surface and are cooked through, still retaining a light, fluffy texture.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Let it cool, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as written contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a large enough pot and adjust the cooking time slightly for the dumplings.

Conclusion

Our Easy Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings recipe is a testament to the power of comfort food – simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices or ingredients to make it your own, and enjoy the process of creating a meal that warms both the heart and the belly. Share your creations, and the love that goes into making them, with family and friends, and watch how something as simple as a bowl of chicken and dumplings can bring people together.