Cracker Barrel Homemade Chicken & Dumplings – Air Fryer

Making Cracker Barrel-inspired Homemade Chicken & Dumplings in the Air Fryer is a fun twist on the classic! Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken & Broth:
  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 carrots (sliced)
  • 2 celery stalks (sliced)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
• For the Dumplings:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter (melted)
  • 1 egg (beaten)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken & Broth:

• Step 1: In a large pot, combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
• Step 2: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Step 3: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
• Step 4: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and keep it simmering to let the flavors meld while you prepare the dumplings.

2. Make the Dumpling Dough:

• Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
• Step 2: Stir in the milk, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until the dough forms. It should be a thick, sticky batter.

3. Assemble and Cook in the Air Fryer:

• Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Step 2: Lightly grease the bottom of a small, oven-safe pan or cake pan that fits in your air fryer basket.
• Step 3: Pour the simmering chicken and broth mixture into the prepared pan, ensuring it fills about halfway. Place spoonfuls of the dumpling dough on top of the chicken mixture, making sure to leave some space between them for expansion.
• Step 4: Carefully place the pan into the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.

4. Serve:

• Carefully remove the pan from the air fryer, and serve the chicken and dumplings hot.

Enjoy this cozy, comfort food made easy with the Air Fryer! If you’d like, you can top it with fresh parsley or extra seasonings for more flavor.