Country Sampler from Cracker Barrel features crispy fried chicken, tender chicken n' dumplings, savory country ham, and golden buttermilk biscuits, offering a hearty Southern comfort meal with a variety of flavors and textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer or large skillet
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Biscuit cutter
- Baking sheet
- Saucepan
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Ladle
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for dumplings)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for dumplings)
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup whole milk (for dumplings)
- 1 lb country ham steaks
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for biscuits)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for biscuits)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt (for biscuits)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, diced)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for biscuits)
When preparing the Country Sampler from Cracker Barrel, it's crucial to use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for a crispy, flavorful fried chicken, soaking them in buttermilk to tenderize the meat. The all-purpose flour seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper creates the perfect coating for frying. For tender chicken n' dumplings, low-sodium chicken broth and baking powder are key to designing light, fluffy dumplings. Using cold unsalted butter and buttermilk ensures flaky, golden buttermilk biscuits, an essential component of the meal's authentic Southern texture. Your homemade Country Sampler copycat menu will deliver the same hearty variety and comforting flavors found in the restaurant.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk.
- Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for dredging.
- Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour.
- Heat oil in deep fryer or large skillet.
- Fry chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Slice country ham steaks.
- Pan fry ham until lightly browned, set aside.
- Prepare chicken broth in Dutch oven or large pot.
- Add butter and milk, bring to simmer.
- Cube chicken breasts; add to pot, cook until done.
- Mix flour, baking powder, salt for dumplings.
- Cut in shortening.
- Stir in milk; mix to form dough.
- Roll out and cut dough into strips or rounds.
- Drop dumplings into simmering broth; cook until tender.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt (for biscuits).
- Cut in cold diced butter.
- Stir in buttermilk to make dough.
- Turn onto floured surface; roll and cut with biscuit cutter.
- Place biscuits on baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown.
- Plate fried chicken, chicken n’ dumplings, ham, and fresh biscuits.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
The Country Sampler from Cracker Barrel copycat menu combines crispy fried chicken, tender chicken and dumplings, savory country ham, and golden buttermilk biscuits to recreate a classic Southern comfort meal. If buttermilk is unavailable, sour cream or plain yogurt can substitute in equal amounts to maintain the tangy flavor and tenderness in the chicken marinade and biscuit dough. When deep frying chicken, ensure the oil temperature stays between 350degF and 375degF for crispy, golden results without absorbing excess oil. For chicken and dumplings, use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level, allowing you to adjust seasoning to your taste. Your best results come from using fresh ingredients and keeping cold butter chilled when working with biscuit dough to achieve flaky layers.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature stays between 350degF and 375degF when frying chicken to achieve a crispy crust without overcooking the meat. When making dumplings, do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough, dense dumplings; mix just until combined. Use cold butter and buttermilk for biscuits to create tender, flaky layers that rise properly during baking. You will find marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight enhances flavor and helps tenderize the meat for the best Southern comfort meal experience.
Nutritions
The Country Sampler from Cracker Barrel provides a substantial source of protein from crispy fried chicken, chicken n' dumplings, and savory country ham, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. Your meal includes carbohydrates from golden buttermilk biscuits and flour-based dumplings, delivering energy for daily activities. The presence of buttermilk and whole milk adds calcium for bone health, while the use of various spices enhances flavor without adding significant calories. Be mindful that frying and ham contribute to higher sodium and fat content, so portion control is key for balanced nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken and biscuits in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispiness and freshness. Refrigerate chicken n' dumplings and country ham in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently on the stove or microwave to preserve texture and flavor. When reheating your meal, avoid overcooking to ensure each element retains its hearty Southern comfort quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in the dumplings to enhance flavor and tenderness. For a spicier fried chicken, increase cayenne pepper or add smoked paprika to the dredge mix. Try using lard instead of vegetable shortening in biscuits for a flakier, more authentic Southern texture. Pan-frying the country ham in butter instead of oil adds a richer taste to complement the meal's savory profile.
Allergies
This Country Sampler from Cracker Barrel contains common allergens such as wheat (all-purpose flour used in chicken coating, dumplings, and biscuits), dairy (buttermilk, milk, unsalted butter), and eggs (possibly in baking powder or biscuits). The presence of chicken and country ham also raises concerns for those with poultry or pork allergies. You should carefully review these ingredients if you have sensitivities or allergies to gluten, dairy, or specific meats before enjoying this meal.
Why this recipe?
Country Sampler from Cracker Barrel blends classic Southern flavors and generous portions, featuring fried chicken, meatloaf, and sugar-cured ham. Its balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and mashed potatoes appeals to those seeking authentic comfort food. You can recreate this popular dish at home to enjoy its hearty taste and satisfy cravings without leaving your kitchen. Making a copycat version provides a cost-effective way to experience Cracker Barrel's signature menu item repeatedly.