In questo articolo, esploreremo una ricetta deliziosa e facile da preparare.

Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings: A Cracker Barrel-Inspired Comfort

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings, especially when it’s inspired by the homestyle flavors of Cracker Barrel. This dish, with its hearty blend of tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and aromatic vegetables, is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re looking to recreate the nostalgic flavors of a beloved restaurant or simply seeking a cozy meal to enjoy with family, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

For this hearty dish, gather the following ingredients: – 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These serve as the protein base, providing tender, juicy bites throughout the dish. – 4 cups chicken broth and 1 cup water: These form the flavorful liquid foundation, essential for both cooking the chicken and simmering the dumplings. – 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper: These dry ingredients come together to form the light, fluffy dumplings. – ¼ cup milk and ¼ cup butter, melted: These add moisture and richness to the dumpling dough, ensuring a tender texture. – 1 onion, finely chopped, 2 carrots, sliced thin, 2 celery stalks, diced: These vegetables add depth and nutrition, enhancing the overall flavor profile. – 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon garlic powder: These spices boost the savory notes, complementing the chicken and vegetables perfectly. – Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors. – Fresh parsley, for garnish: This finishing touch adds a pop of color and freshness.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts, chicken broth, and water in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20–25 minutes. This ensures the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Keep the savory broth in the pot for later use.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In another small bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix — a light hand ensures the dumplings remain fluffy and tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth & Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the reserved broth. Stir in the thyme, garlic powder, and a touch more salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors into the broth.

Step 4: Add Chicken & Dumplings

Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Using a spoon, drop small dollops of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth, spacing them evenly to allow room to expand.

Step 5: Cook Until Fluffy

Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for 15–20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this helps the dumplings remain light and fluffy by trapping steam.

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Once the dumplings are cooked through and the broth has thickened slightly, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving hot, ensuring each bowl is brimming with comforting goodness.

Final Thoughts

This Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 45 minutes, you’ll have a delightful dish that serves six, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy the nostalgic comfort of Cracker Barrel-inspired flavors right in your own kitchen!

Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings (Cracker Barrel-Inspired)

A comforting, hearty dish inspired by Cracker Barrel’s classic chicken and dumplings. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Broth

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water

Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup milk
• 0.25 cup butter, melted

Vegetables & Seasoning

• 1 piece onion, finely chopped
• 2 pieces carrots, sliced thin
• 2 pieces celery stalks, diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• to taste Salt and pepper
• as needed Fresh parsley, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, and water to a large pot. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Keep the broth in the pot for later.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In another small bowl, combine the milk and melted butter, then slowly stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing — you just want it combined.
3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the reserved broth. Stir in thyme, garlic powder, and a little extra salt and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Drop small spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering broth. Try to keep them evenly spaced.
5. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam and cook through for 15–20 minutes — resist lifting the lid too often so they stay light and tender.
6. Once the dumplings are cooked and the broth has thickened slightly, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg to the broth. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.