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Cracker Barrel Baked Chicken

Helen T. Patterson
Cracker Barrel Baked Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food that brings the flavors of Cracker Barrel right into your home.
With tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful seasoning blend of garlic, paprika, thyme, and more, this dish offers a golden, crispy exterior with a moist and flavorful interior.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special family meals, and it pairs well with a variety of comforting sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or green beans.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Dish (9x13 inch or similar)
  • 1 Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
  • 1 Large Bowl (for mixing seasonings)
  • 1 Brush or Spoon (for applying butter or oil)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless or bone-in
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for extra freshness
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs optional, rosemary or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or butter to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
    This will help the seasoning adhere better and give the skin a crispier texture.

Season the Chicken

  • In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
    Drizzle the chicken with olive oil or melted butter, then rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken until it’s well-coated.
    Optionally, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the chicken for added flavor.

Arrange the Chicken

  • Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
    If using bone-in chicken, ensure the skin is facing up to allow it to crisp up nicely.

Bake the Chicken

  • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes (for boneless) or 45-60 minutes (for bone-in), or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
    The chicken should be golden and the juices should run clear.

Rest and Serve

  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
    Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or rosemary, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken takes a little longer to cook but tends to be juicier. Boneless chicken is quicker to cook and perfect for weeknight meals.
  • Seasoning Variations: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste—add cayenne pepper for heat, or fresh garlic for extra punch.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months.
  • Make it Crispy: For a crispy skin, consider increasing the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
Keyword Cracker Barrel Baked Chicken