Homestyle Chicken from Cracker Barrel features juicy, tender fried chicken pieces with a golden, crispy coating, served alongside classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and savory green beans for a comforting, Southern-inspired meal.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Sheet pan
- Wire rack
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Potato peeler
- Saucepan
- Potato masher
- Colander
- Serving plates or platters
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 lbs (1.36 kg) russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt (for mashed potatoes)
- Pepper (for mashed potatoes)
- 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for green beans)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for green beans)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for green beans)
When preparing the Homestyle Chicken from Cracker Barrel, ensure the chicken breasts are bone-in and skin-on for optimal juiciness and flavor. Buttermilk plays a crucial role in tenderizing the chicken before coating it with the seasoned flour mixture, which includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a balanced Southern-inspired taste. Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying to achieve a golden, crispy crust without burning. Fresh russet potatoes are essential for creamy mashed potatoes, and remember to season them properly with salt, pepper, whole milk, and unsalted butter for the perfect texture. You can recreate the authentic taste of Cracker Barrel's Homestyle Chicken by following this copycat menu, which carefully balances seasoning and cooking techniques for a comforting, classic meal.
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in mixing bowl; pour buttermilk over chicken; cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In another mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; whisk to blend.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk; dredge each piece thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture; shake off excess.
- Pour vegetable oil into deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C); heat oil.
- Fry chicken in batches, using tongs; cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on meat thermometer.
- Place cooked chicken on wire rack set over sheet pan to drain.
- Peel russet potatoes; cut into even chunks.
- Place potatoes in saucepan; cover with cold water; add salt; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes in colander; return to saucepan.
- Add butter and milk to potatoes; mash until smooth and creamy; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Trim ends off green beans; rinse thoroughly.
- Fill saucepan with water; bring to a boil; add green beans; cook until just tender.
- Drain green beans; return to saucepan.
- Add butter, salt, and pepper to green beans; toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans to serving plates or platters.
Substitution
Homestyle Chicken from Cracker Barrel copycat menu offers a crispy, golden fried chicken that pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and seasoned green beans. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic its tangy texture. When frying, maintain the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF to ensure a crispy coating without greasy chicken. You can use boneless chicken thighs as an alternative to bone-in breasts for quicker cooking while still preserving juiciness. Remember to rest your fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the coating crisp.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature is accurately maintained at 350degF (175degC) throughout frying to achieve a crispy coating without overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reaches 165degF (74degC) to guarantee proper doneness and food safety. For mashed potatoes, always start with cold water to ensure even cooking and prevent a gummy texture. When cooking green beans, avoid overboiling; they should remain slightly crisp to preserve their vibrant color and nutrients, enhancing your Homestyle Chicken meal experience.
Nutritions
Homestyle Chicken from Cracker Barrel provides a hearty serving of protein and essential vitamins mainly from chicken breast, while the buttermilk marinade adds a slight boost of calcium. The mashed potatoes contribute carbohydrates and potassium, complemented by butter and milk which add fats and calcium. Green beans offer dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, enhanced by a light coating of butter for flavor. Your meal balances macronutrients and micronutrients but keep in mind the fried chicken's breading and frying method increase the calorie and fat content.
Storage
Store leftover Homestyle Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain juiciness and crispness. Mashed potatoes and green beans should be cooled before placing in separate airtight containers and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) to restore its crispy coating while warming mashed potatoes and green beans gently on the stove or microwave for best texture and flavor retention.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the breasts to add extra moisture and flavor during frying. Use buttermilk mixed with hot sauce or mustard to enhance the marinade's tang and depth. Swap russet potatoes for Yukon Golds in your mashed potatoes for a naturally buttery texture without needing extra butter. For the green beans, steam instead of boil to retain more nutrients and vibrant color while maintaining the buttery seasoning finish.
Allergies
Homestyle Chicken from Cracker Barrel contains common allergens such as dairy (buttermilk, whole milk, unsalted butter) and gluten (all-purpose flour), which may cause reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The use of vegetable oil for frying can also be a concern for those with specific oil allergies, and the seasoning includes spices that might trigger sensitivities. Be sure to review ingredient details carefully to ensure the meal aligns with Your allergy requirements.
Why this recipe?
The Homestyle Chicken menu at Cracker Barrel is cherished for its perfectly fried, crispy exterior paired with a juicy, tender interior, delivering an authentic Southern comfort food experience. The dish's balanced seasoning and traditional preparation methods evoke nostalgic homemade flavors that resonate with many diners. Crafting your own copycat version lets you customize seasoning and cooking techniques to match your personal taste, ensuring a fresh yet familiar meal. Trying this recipe at home offers the rewarding satisfaction of recreating a beloved classic while enjoying restaurant-quality chicken anytime.