Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

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Cracker Barrel’s chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that warms your soul. This recipe lets you make it at home in about 80 minutes. You’ll end up with tender chicken and soft, fluffy dumplings in a rich broth that tastes just like the restaurant version.

The dish is pretty simple to make. You’ll need cooked chicken, chicken stock, flour, and a few other basic ingredients. The dumplings are made from scratch, but don’t worry – it’s easier than you might think! This recipe serves 8, so it’s great for family dinners or when you want leftovers.

Exact Ingredients List

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

For the broth and chicken:

• 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

This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes 30 minutes to prep and 50 minutes to cook.

You’ll start by warming up the chicken stock in a big pot. While that’s heating, you’ll mix up the dumpling dough. Then you’ll cut the dumplings and cook them in the broth.

At the end, you’ll add the shredded chicken. In less than an hour and a half, you’ll have a hot, comforting meal ready to eat!

Instructions

Pour 6 cups of chicken stock into a large pot. Warm it over low heat as you prep the dumplings.

In a big bowl, mix 3 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in 2 tablespoons cold butter with a fork. Add 1 cup buttermilk and stir to form a shaggy dough.

Put the dough on a floured surface. Roll it out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 1-2 inch squares with a pizza cutter.

Bring the stock to a boil. Add dumplings a few at a time, stirring gently. Cook for 20 minutes.

Add 3 cups of shredded chicken. Cook 5-10 minutes more.

Your chicken and dumplings are ready to serve! Enjoy the warm, comforting meal you’ve made.

Tips:

• Don’t overwork the dough
• Drop dumplings slowly to prevent sticking
• Stir occasionally while cooking

This recipe serves 8 and takes about 80 minutes total. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or gathering with friends.

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap out some ingredients in this Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings recipe. Here are a few options:

Chicken:

• Use turkey instead of chicken
• Try rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep
• Go vegetarian with chickpeas or tofu

Broth:

• Vegetable broth works for a meat-free version
• Bone broth adds extra nutrients

Flour:

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour for dietary needs
• Whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste

Buttermilk:

• Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Use plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk

Butter:

• Vegetable shortening for a dairy-free option
• Margarine works in a pinch

Remember, these swaps might change the flavor or texture slightly. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can tweak this classic comfort food to be more diabetes-friendly. Start by using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the dumplings. This swap adds fiber and helps slow down sugar absorption.

Cut back on the amount of dumplings you add to the pot. This reduces the overall carb count. You might use 2 cups of flour instead of 3.

Try using low-fat buttermilk to decrease the fat content. For the chicken stock, pick a low-sodium version to help manage blood pressure.

Add extra veggies to boost nutrition and fiber. Carrots, celery, and peas work well in this dish. Chop them finely and cook them with the chicken.

Here’s a quick list of swaps:

• Whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour
• Low-fat buttermilk
• Low-sodium chicken stock
• Extra veggies

Remember to watch your portion sizes. A smaller serving can help keep blood sugar levels steady. You might pair your chicken and dumplings with a side salad to round out the meal.

Always check with your doctor or dietitian before making big changes to your diet. They can give you personalized advice based on your health needs.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best Cracker Barrel-style chicken and dumplings, use cold butter when making the dough. This helps create flaky, tender dumplings. Cut it into small cubes and work quickly to keep it from melting.

When rolling out the dough, aim for about 1/4 inch thickness. This gives you dumplings that are just the right size – not too thick or thin. A pizza cutter makes it easy to cut the dough into even squares.

Don’t overcrowd the pot when adding dumplings. Drop them in a few at a time and stir gently to prevent sticking. This lets them cook evenly.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to thin the sauce if needed.

For a time-saving tip, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. Just shred it and add it to the pot near the end of cooking.

To freeze, cool the dish and portion it into freezer bags. Label with the date and use within 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.