Southern Fried Chicken from Cracker Barrel features tender, juicy chicken pieces seasoned with a blend of traditional Southern spices, coated in a crispy golden batter, and fried to perfection, delivering a flavorful and crunchy comfort food experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Wire rack
- Sheet pan
- Thermometer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Using a whole chicken weighing 3-4 lbs ensures tender and juicy pieces when fried. Soaking the chicken in 2 cups of buttermilk tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor absorption. The flour coating combined with a precise blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, creates a crispy and flavorful crust. Vegetable oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point, allowing the chicken to cook evenly without burning. Your Southern Fried Chicken from Cracker Barrel copycat menu will capture the authentic, crispy texture and delicious seasoning of the classic dish.
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into serving pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, pour buttermilk over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drain off.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring all sides are well coated. Shake off excess.
- Place coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a sheet pan.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil using tongs. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry chicken, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), about 12-15 minutes.
- Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain and keep crispy.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Southern Fried Chicken from Cracker Barrel copycat menu captures the authentic taste of tender chicken seasoned with classic Southern spices and fried to a crisp golden finish. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes before use. Use a heavy-bottomed pot if a deep fryer is not available to maintain consistent oil temperature, monitored closely with a thermometer to avoid undercooking or burning. To keep the fried chicken crispy, place pieces on a wire rack over a sheet pan instead of paper towels, which can cause sogginess. Your patience during the marinating and frying process ensures juicy, flavorful results every time.
Tips
Your buttermilk marination is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and enhancing flavor, so don't skip the recommended minimum of 2 hours or overnight. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at a steady 350degF (175degC), as oil that's too hot will burn the coating and oil that's too cool will make the coating greasy. Avoid overcrowding the fryer to ensure even cooking and crispy texture; fry in batches if necessary. Always check the internal temperature, aiming for 165degF (74degC), to confirm the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Nutritions
Southern Fried Chicken from Cracker Barrel provides a rich source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth, sourced from the 3-4 lb whole chicken used in the recipe. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken and adds probiotics and calcium for digestive and bone health. Despite being fried in vegetable oil, which contributes calories from fat, the dish delivers a flavorful balance of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper that offer antioxidants and enhance metabolism. To manage your nutritional intake, monitor portion sizes and consider pairing your meal with vegetables or a lighter side to complement the indulgent nature of this comfort food.
Storage
Store your Southern Fried Chicken in an airtight container to maintain its crispy texture and juiciness. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and food safety. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) to restore crispiness without drying out the chicken.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for a similar tangy marinade that tenderizes the chicken. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a blend of rice flour and cornstarch to maintain the crispy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions. Experiment with baking the breaded chicken at 400degF for 35-40 minutes as a healthier alternative to deep frying, turning halfway through to ensure even browning. Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the seasoned flour mixture can add a fragrant depth to the classic Southern flavor profile.
Allergies
Southern Fried Chicken from Cracker Barrel contains common allergens such as wheat (from the all-purpose flour) and dairy (from the buttermilk), which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to gluten or lactose. The use of vegetable oil for frying may also pose a risk for those with specific seed or nut allergies, depending on the oil type used. You should always verify ingredient specifics and consult your healthcare provider if you have known food allergies before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Southern Fried Chicken from Cracker Barrel is beloved for its perfectly seasoned, crispy coating paired with juicy, tender meat that delivers authentic Southern comfort food flavors. The recipe combines traditional buttermilk marination and a blend of spices that create a distinct, savory taste hard to replicate from generic fried chicken dishes. Making your own copycat version allows you to enjoy this iconic menu item anytime, tailoring seasoning to your preference while saving money on dining out. Your homemade Southern Fried Chicken brings the warmth and nostalgia of Cracker Barrel right to your kitchen with every bite.