Cracker Barrel Homestyle Chicken
This Cracker Barrel Homestyle Chicken recipe brings the crispy, golden-brown, and juicy fried chicken you love from the restaurant straight to your kitchen. Made with a simple buttermilk marinade and a perfectly seasoned flour coating, this dish delivers classic Southern comfort with every bite. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-follow recipe will satisfy your craving for homestyle goodness.
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl (for marinating)
- 1 Shallow dish (for flour dredging)
- 1 Large skillet or frying pan
- 1 Wire rack (for draining chicken)
- 1 meat thermometer
- 1 Tongs (for flipping chicken)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Breading:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For Frying:
- 1½ cups vegetable oil or peanut oil
- 1 tablespoon butter optional, for added flavor
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts slightly to an even thickness.
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Submerge the chicken in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and baking powder.
- Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken.
- Dip back into the buttermilk, then coat again in the flour mixture for a thick, crispy crust.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C).
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature).
- Optionally, add butter to the oil for extra flavor while frying.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
- Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep crispy.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot with your favorite sides!
Notes
Oil Temperature Matters – Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) to prevent burning or greasy chicken.
✔ Rest the Chicken – Letting the chicken sit before serving keeps it juicy.
✔ Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for best results.
✔ Rest the Chicken – Letting the chicken sit before serving keeps it juicy.
✔ Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for best results.