Hey there, foodies! Are you a fan of Cracker Barrel’s famous chicken and dumplings? Well, guess what? Today, I’m going to spill the beans and share with you the secret recipe to make these comfort food favorites right in your own kitchen. No need to wait in line or spend a fortune at the restaurant anymore. Let’s get started!

Making the Dumplings

To recreate the fluffy dumplings, you’ll need some basic pantry staples. In a mixing bowl, combine a couple of cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. The baking powder adds a touch of lift, ensuring your dumplings are light and tender. Then, add vegetable oil and milk to the dry ingredients, stirring it all together into a nice dough.

Next, transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it until it’s no longer sticky. Remember, don’t go overboard with the flour; too much can make your dumplings tough. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin, creating a thin sheet. Cut the dumplings into square shapes with a knife, just like Cracker Barrel does.

Cooking the Dumplings

Now comes the fun part – cooking the dumplings in a flavorful broth. Prepare a seasoned water base by adding a couple of teaspoons of soup base to a pot of boiling water. This will infuse the dumplings with delicious flavors. If you prefer, you can use chicken stock or broth as well. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling liquid and cook them until they float to the surface. It usually takes a few minutes.

To make the dish more substantial, you can add cooked chicken to the broth, creating a heartier meal. Otherwise, let’s move on to making the signature sauce.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Cracker Barrel serves their chicken and dumplings with a rich and creamy sauce. To replicate it at home, start by melting some butter in a pot over medium heat. Add flour to the melted butter, creating a roux. Let it cook until it forms a paste and begins to smell like a delicious pie crust. This step ensures that the flour taste disappears.

Now, gradually add milk to the roux, stirring until it becomes a smooth and creamy mixture. Season it with a pinch of sugar and pepper for that perfect balance of flavors. For an added punch, incorporate a bit more of the soup base to amp up the taste. Stir it in until the sauce thickens again.