Recreate the famous Fried Chicken Recipe Cracker Barrel at home with this crispy, juicy Southern-style copycat recipe. Easy steps, simple ingredients, perfect every time.
Why Fried Chicken Recipe Cracker Barrel Is a Kitchen Must-Try
There’s something timeless about the homestyle comfort of Cracker Barrel’s chicken—the perfectly seasoned crust, the juicy bite, and the Southern aroma that fills the kitchen.
This fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel-inspired guide help you recreate that exact flavor in your own home. Whether you’ve enjoyed it during a road-trip meal or crave the signature Southern crunch, this copycat Cracker Barrel fried chicken turns everyday ingredients into something special.
What makes this fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel version, so appealing is its balance of a tender buttermilk marinade, a crunchy double-dredged coating, and a controlled frying technique. You don’t need commercial fryers or restaurant secrets—just proper seasoning, temperature control, and the right preparation steps.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Tools
Before you start, gather everything you need. Having ingredients organized makes this fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel method, smoother and ensures even seasoning.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken pieces | 2–2.5 lbs | Base protein |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup | Tenderizing marinade |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Flavor foundation |
| Paprika | 1 tbsp | Southern color |
| Garlic powder | 1 tbsp | Aromatic flavor |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp | Depth |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Primary coating |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup | Extra crispiness |
| Eggs | 2 | Coating binder |
| Oil | As needed | Frying medium |
Tools Needed: Dutch oven, tongs, cooling rack, and thermometer.
Step 1: Marinate & Prep the Chicken + Coating Setup
Marinate the Chicken
The foundation of a great fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel begins with the buttermilk marinade. Combine buttermilk with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for extra juiciness.
Prepare the Coating
Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with a splash of buttermilk.
Use the Double-Dredge Method
To recreate the authentic crunch:
- Coat chicken in seasoned flour
- Dip in egg wash
- Coat again in flour
- Press firmly for a craggy crust
This double-dredge technique is one of the biggest secrets behind an accurate fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel result.
Step 2: Frying to Perfection—Temperature, Timing & Tips
Heat Oil to the Right Temperature
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Proper temperature ensures a crisp coating without absorbing excess oil.
Fry in Small Batches
Place chicken in the oil carefully, skin-side down. Do not overcrowd the pot. Crowding cools the oil and softens the crust.
Cook to Proper Internal Temperature
Fry for 12–16 minutes, flipping as needed, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Drain on a Rack
Transfer fried chicken to a cooling rack, not paper towels. This keeps the coating crisp and prevents steam from softening the crust.
These steps ensure your fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel delivers crispy outside, juicy inside, and full Southern character.
Customizing Your Fried Chicken: Spicy, Herb, Extra-Crispy
Make It Spicy
Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the marinade.
Add Herbs
Season the flour with thyme, parsley, or rosemary for herbal depth.
Extra-Crispy Version
Use ½ cup cornstarch and extend the second dredge slightly for a thicker crust.
These variations let you personalize this Cracker Barrel fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel while keeping the homestyle flavor.
What to Serve With Your Cracker Barrel-Style Fried Chicken
No Cracker Barrel-style meal is complete without hearty Southern sides. Pair your fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel with:
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Mashed potatoes & country gravy
- Mac and cheese
- Coleslaw
- Green beans
- Cornbread
These sides complete the classic comfort-food experience.
How to Store, Reheat, and Keep the Crunch
Storing
Place cooled chicken in airtight containers and refrigerate up to 4 days.
Reheating
To maintain crunch:
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Freezing
Freeze cooled pieces in freezer bags. Reheat from frozen using the same method.
These tips help your Cracker Barrel fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel stay crisp even the next day.
FAQ: Common Questions About This Recipe
1. Does Cracker Barrel use buttermilk?
While the exact formula is private, buttermilk is key in Southern frying. This fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel version, uses buttermilk for tenderness and flavor.
2. Can I bake instead of fry?
You can, but baked chicken will not match the crispiness of a true fried chicken recipe.
3. What oil works best?
Use peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil—all have high smoke points.
4. Why does my coating fall off?
Moisture or overcrowding can cause this. Pat chicken dry, coat well, and fry in batches.
5. Can this recipe use boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in chicken delivers the most authentic fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel taste.
Conclusion
Recreating Cracker Barrel’s beloved fried chicken is much easier than you might think. With a proper marinade, the right coating, steady oil temperature, and good technique, this fried chicken recipe Cracker Barrel delivers crispy, juicy, Southern-style chicken every time.
Enjoy it fresh, pair it with classic sides, and savor a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen.
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
