We were recently emailed and told that the copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings recipe we had published was a copyrighted recipe. We have no desire to publish any copycat recipes that break any copyright laws. So, we have taken down the copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings recipe which had previously been here. Instead, we have put in place a Chicken & Dumplings recipe which we feel is in the same spirit of Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings recipe but which we feel is actually much better than the real Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings recipe. Go on, try it and we bet you will think it is even better than the copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings.

(better than the) Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

* 1 chicken, about 3 pounds
* 2 Quarts water
* 1 Teaspoon Salt
* 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
* 2 Cup All-purpose flour
* 1/2 Teaspoon Baking soda
* 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
* 3 Tablespoon Shortening
* 3/4 Cup Buttermilk

Directions:

1. Place chicken in a Dutch oven; add water and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour or until tender.

2. Remove chicken and let cool slightly.

3. Bone chicken and cut chicken into bite-size pieces; set aside.

4. Bring broth to a boil; add pepper.

5. Combine flour, soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal.

6. Add buttermilk, stirring with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened.

7. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface, and knead lightly 4 or 5 times.

8. Pat dough to 1/4" thickness.

9. Pinch off dough in 1 to 2-inch pieces anddrop into boiling broth.

10. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 8 to 10 minutes or to desired consistency, stirring occasionally.

11. Stir in chicken and serve.

Makes: 4 to 6 servings