In questo articolo, esploreremo una ricetta deliziosa e facile da preparare.
Introduction
Welcome to a heartwarming culinary journey with our Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings (Cracker Barrel-Inspired) recipe. If you’re craving a classic comfort dish reminiscent of your favorite Southern diner, this recipe will transport your taste buds right to a cozy booth at Cracker Barrel. By combining tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth, we’ve crafted a meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a soothing solo dinner. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this homestyle delight in your own kitchen.
Ingredients List
To bring this comforting dish to life, you’ll need these ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced thin
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken breasts, chicken broth, and water in a large pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is tender. Remove, shred, and set aside while keeping the broth for later.
2. Make the Dumpling Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough, careful not to overmix.
3. Prepare the Broth & Vegetables
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the reserved broth. Stir in thyme and garlic powder, seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until the vegetables soften.
4. Add Chicken & Dumplings
Reintroduce the shredded chicken to the pot. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering broth, evenly spacing them.
5. Cook Until Fluffy
Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to steam for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid often, ensuring they become light and fluffy.
6. Finish & Serve
Once the dumplings are cooked and the broth thickens slightly, taste and adjust the seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
This dish offers a satisfying balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Each serving provides approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version, consider substituting whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, and using skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor with less fat. You can also replace butter with olive oil for a heart-healthy option.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad to balance the meal with some greens. For a fuller Southern experience, a slice of cornbread on the side complements the dish perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dumpling dough: This can lead to dense, chewy dumplings. Stir until just combined.
- Lifting the lid too often: This interrupts the steaming process, preventing the dumplings from cooking properly.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain the dish’s moisture.
Conclusion
This Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings (Cracker Barrel-Inspired) recipe is all about comfort and simplicity. With its rich flavors and cozy vibes, it’s sure to become a family favorite, bringing warmth to your table any day of the week.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken can save time and add a deeper flavor to the dish.
Q: How can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
For more cozy recipes and cooking guides, explore our related posts at Adrian Recipes. Enjoy cooking!
Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings (Cracker Barrel-Inspired)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
