Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings Recipe
Easy Crack Chicken Recipe A Perfect Comfort Food
Ever wondered how to recreate that irresistible, homestyle taste of Cracker Barrel’s famous chicken and dumplings in your own kitchen? This crack chicken recipe brings all the comfort and flavor right to your family table, with a few special tweaks that make it even better than the restaurant version.
Our cream cheese chicken crock pot variation adds a rich, creamy dimension that elevates this classic dish to new heights. Let’s dive into this soul-warming recipe that’s perfect for any season.
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 blocks (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Timing
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low (slow cooker) or 4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours and 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Mix cream cheese, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup in a bowl. Pour over chicken. Add ranch seasoning and stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Start the Cooking Process
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings
- Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl
- Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
- Stir in milk until a soft dough forms
- Roll out on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness
- Cut into 1-inch strips
Step 4: Add Dumplings
Drop dumpling strips into the simmering chicken mixture. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until dumplings are tender and cooked through.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 cup):
Calories: 425
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 890mg
Serving Size: 8 portions
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this crack chicken recipe into a lighter version with these modifications:
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese
- Substitute whole wheat flour for regular flour in dumplings
- Use low-sodium chicken broth
- Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your crack chicken recipe with these perfect pairings:
- Fresh green salad with light vinaigrette
- Steamed seasonal vegetables
- Crusty artisan bread
- Roasted root vegetables
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker
- Avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking
- Don’t make dumplings too thick
- Don’t skip shredding the chicken
- Avoid overworking the dumpling dough
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep dumplings separate from the chicken mixture when storing. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
This homemade version of Cracker Barrel’s chicken and dumplings brings restaurant-quality comfort food right to your kitchen. With our crack chicken recipe, you’ll master this classic dish in no time.
Ready to start cooking? Share your results with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next cozy family dinner!
