## What Makes Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings Special?
Unlike many versions that include vegetables like carrots or celery, Cracker Barrel keeps things simple. Their signature chicken and dumplings are all about the **broth, chicken, and dumplings**—nothing more, nothing less. It’s the ultimate minimalist comfort food that focuses on rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
## Key Ingredients
* **Chicken** – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, simmered until tender and shredded.
* **All-purpose flour** – For the dumplings and thickening the broth.
* **Baking powder** – To give the dumplings their light, pillowy texture.
* **Butter or shortening** – For rich, tender dumplings.
* **Chicken broth** – The base of the flavorful, savory cooking liquid.
* **Salt and pepper** – Essential seasonings to bring everything to life.
Optional: A splash of milk or cream can be added for a richer broth, though the traditional recipe is usually broth-based only.
## How to Make It
1. **Cook the chicken**: Simmer chicken in broth until tender, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Make the dumplings**: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and butter, then roll the dough out and cut into strips or squares.
3. **Simmer the dumplings**: Drop the dumplings into the hot broth and simmer until tender and slightly thickened.
4. **Add chicken back in**: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir gently, and season to taste.
5. **Serve hot**: Ladle into bowls and serve with biscuits, cornbread, or a side of green beans for a full Southern meal.
## Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
* Don’t overwork the dough—handle it just enough to bring it together.
* Let the dumplings cook in a gentle simmer to avoid breaking them up.
* For richer flavor, cook the chicken in homemade or high-quality store-bought broth.
## A Bowl of Southern Hospitality
Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings isn’t just a dish—it’s a tradition. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, comforts the soul, and fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of love and home. Making it from scratch is surprisingly simple, and the result is a bowl full of warmth and joy.
Whether you’re cooking for family or recreating your favorite roadside meal at home, this recipe guarantees **a taste of Southern comfort you’ll come back to again and again.**
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