Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings
Experience the comforting flavors of Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings, reminiscent of the beloved dish from Cracker Barrel. This hearty recipe combines tender, savory chicken with pillowy dumplings, all simmered in a rich broth for an unforgettable meal. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is a true embodiment of Old Southern cooking, bringing warmth and satisfaction to the table. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frying chicken
1 (whole, 3-6 lbs)
Water
2 quarts (for boiling)
Salt
2 teaspoons (for broth)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (coarse ground (to taste))
All-purpose flour
2 cups (for dumplings)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (for dumplings)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for dumplings)
Shortening
3 tablespoons (Crisco sticks preferred)
Buttermilk
3/4 cup (mix 1 tbsp vinegar with 1 cup milk, let sit, then use)
Instructions
1
Place the whole chicken in a Dutch oven and cover it with water. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and bring to a rolling boil.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 1 hour or until the chicken is tender and almost falling off the bone.
3
Carefully remove the chicken from the broth and allow it to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, bone the chicken and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
4
Bring the broth back to a boil, adding 1/2 teaspoon of pepper for flavor.
5
In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 3 tablespoons of shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6
Gradually add 3/4 cup of buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough just comes together.
7
Knead the dough gently 4 to 5 times—do not overwork it. Pinch off pieces of dough (about the size of a tablespoon) and drop them carefully into the boiling broth.
8
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the dumplings for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9
Stir in the cut chicken pieces into the broth and dumplings, combining well. Allow to simmer for an additional few minutes to heat through.
10
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
42g
Carbs
27g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings?
It is a comforting Southern-style dish featuring tender chicken and handmade pillowy dumplings simmered in a rich, savory broth.
Is this recipe similar to Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be reminiscent of the beloved comfort food served at Cracker Barrel, emphasizing Old Southern cooking traditions.
What size chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using a whole frying chicken weighing between 3 and 6 pounds.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
You should simmer the whole chicken in a Dutch oven for about 1 hour, or until it is tender and nearly falling off the bone.
What are the ingredients for the homemade dumplings?
The dumplings are made from 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 3 tablespoons of shortening, and 3/4 cup of buttermilk.
Can I make a buttermilk substitute if I don't have any?
Yes, you can mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 cup of milk, let it sit for a few minutes, and then measure out the 3/4 cup needed for the recipe.
What type of shortening is best for the dumplings?
Crisco sticks are the preferred shortening for this recipe to achieve the correct dough consistency.
How do I ensure the dumplings stay light and pillowy?
Knead the dough gently only 4 to 5 times. It is crucial not to overwork the dough, as this can make the dumplings tough.
How large should I make the dumplings?
You should pinch off pieces of dough that are approximately the size of a tablespoon before dropping them into the broth.
How long do the dumplings need to simmer?
Once added to the broth, cook the dumplings for 8 to 10 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
When do I add the chicken back into the pot?
Stir the boned and cut chicken pieces back into the broth and dumplings after the dumplings have finished their 8 to 10-minute cooking time.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving of Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish provides approximately 27g of protein per serving.
How much fat and carbohydrates are in the meal?
Each serving contains 12g of fat and 42g of carbohydrates.
How much water is needed to make the broth?
You will need 2 quarts of water to cover the chicken in the Dutch oven.
Should the broth be boiling when adding dumplings?
Yes, you should bring the broth back to a boil before carefully dropping the dumpling dough pieces into the liquid.
Can I garnish this dish with anything?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
What equipment do I need for this recipe?
A Dutch oven is ideal for boiling the chicken and cooking the dumplings, along with a mixing bowl for the dough.
How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together?
Stir the pot occasionally while the dumplings are cooking on medium-low heat to prevent them from sticking.
Is this a good recipe for large families?
Yes, this hearty recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or for cozy family dinners.
Why do I need to bone the chicken before the final step?
Boning the chicken and cutting it into bite-sized pieces makes the dish easier to eat and ensures chicken is distributed throughout the dumplings.
Can I use store-bought broth instead of making it from the chicken?
While you could, the recipe relies on boiling the whole chicken to create a rich, authentic homemade broth which is central to the flavor.
What kind of salt is used in the recipe?
Standard salt is used for seasoning both the broth and the dumpling dough mixture.
Is the dough supposed to be smooth?
No, you should stir the ingredients until the dough just comes together and the shortening mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
What role does the baking soda play?
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the dumplings rise and achieve their signature pillowy texture.
Should the chicken be at room temperature before boiling?
The recipe does not specify, but you can place the cold chicken directly into the water before bringing it to a rolling boil.
How much pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of coarse ground pepper, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this Homestyle Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
A whole chicken is preferred for the best broth flavor, but you can use breasts if you prefer leaner meat, though the broth may be less rich.
How long does the final simmer take?
After adding the chicken back in, simmer for just an additional few minutes until everything is heated through.