Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Are you tired of heading out to enjoy your favorite Cracker Barrel dishes? Imagine being able to savor the taste of their renowned chicken fried chicken in the comfort of your own home. This beloved Southern classic is known for its crispy coating and tender, juicy chicken, making it a staple of comfort food.
With a simple recipe and a few basic ingredients, you can recreate this mouth-watering dish. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques that ensure a restaurant-quality result every time.
Discover the secrets to making this comfort food favorite without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Southern cuisine, this detailed guide is designed to help you achieve success with your copycat Cracker Barrel dish.
The Ultimate Southern Comfort Food
Comfort food doesn’t get much better than a plate of chicken fried chicken. This dish represents the pinnacle of Southern comfort cooking, combining a crispy, seasoned coating with tender, juicy meat. The technique used to prepare chicken fried chicken is similar to that of chicken fried steak, creating a distinctive crunchy exterior.
The legendary status of Cracker Barrel’s version is due to its authentic approach to this classic dish. The harmony of flavors and textures, including the crispy coating, tender fried chicken, and rich sawmill gravy, epitomizes comfort food.
| Key Elements | Description |
|---|---|
| Crispy Coating | Provides a satisfying crunch |
| Tender Chicken | Moist and juicy |
| Rich Sawmill Gravy | Adds depth to the dish |
What Makes Cracker Barrel’s Chicken Fried Chicken Special
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the allure of Cracker Barrel’s chicken fried chicken. The dish is prepared using a double-breading technique, which creates an exceptionally crispy coating.
This technique, combined with a buttermilk marinade, tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tanginess. The key factors that make Cracker Barrel’s chicken fried chicken stand out include its perfectly balanced seasoning blend, consistent preparation methods, and careful temperature control during frying.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Double-Breading Technique | Creates an exceptionally crispy coating | Stays crunchy even under gravy |
| Buttermilk Marinade | Tenderizes the chicken and adds tanginess | Enhances flavor and texture |
| Perfectly Balanced Seasoning | Enhances the chicken without overwhelming it | Provides a well-rounded flavor profile |
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for duplicating the taste of Cracker Barrel’s chicken fried chicken at home. To prepare the chicken, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.
The coating mixture is based on all-purpose flour, which is enhanced with a blend of seasonings including salt, ground black pepper, and optional ingredients like garlic powder or paprika. Buttermilk is essential for tenderizing the chicken and helping the coating adhere properly.
- Use fresh chicken breasts for the best results.
- All-purpose flour forms the base of your coating mixture.
- Vegetable oil with a high smoke point is necessary for frying.
- For authentic sawmill gravy, you’ll need bacon grease, flour for thickening, and whole milk or heavy cream.
Having all ingredients measured and ready before you begin will make the cooking process smoother, especially when managing hot oil.
Equipment Required for Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken
Perfecting chicken fried chicken requires more than just a good recipe; it demands the right equipment. To start, you’ll need a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to maintain a consistent oil temperature during frying, crucial for that perfect crispy coating.
Other essential tools include a reliable cooking thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, ensuring it reaches the ideal heat of 350°F. Wire cooling racks and shallow bowls for the breading station are also vital. Additionally, tongs with heat-resistant handles and paper towels or brown paper bags for draining excess fat will make the process smoother.
Using the right equipment will help you achieve perfectly cooked fried chicken every time, making your chicken fried dishes truly special.
Preparing the Chicken Fried Chicken Cracker Barrel Style
To make authentic Cracker Barrel-style chicken fried chicken, you’ll need to master the art of breading and frying. This involves a double-breading technique that ensures the chicken has a crispy exterior, while maintaining a juicy interior.
The Double-Breading Technique
The double-breading technique is crucial for achieving the signature extra-crispy coating of Cracker Barrel’s chicken fried chicken. To start, you’ll need to set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. The first bowl should contain a seasoned flour mixture, the second a buttermilk mixture, and the third another portion of the seasoned flour mixture. Begin by coating the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to prevent burning during frying. Next, dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, return the chicken to the seasoned flour mixture for a second coating. This double-breading process creates a crunchy exterior that stays crispy even under gravy.
Frying to Golden Perfection
Once the chicken is breaded, it’s time to fry it to perfection. Heat at least four inches of vegetable or canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Fry the breaded chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in a soggy coating. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and achieves a golden brown exterior, typically within 7-8 minutes. After frying, place the chicken fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil, rather than directly on paper towels, to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to create delicious Cracker Barrel-style chicken fried chicken that’s sure to impress.
Making the Creamy Sawmill Gravy
To complement your Cracker Barrel-style chicken fried chicken, you’ll need to prepare the signature creamy sawmill gravy. While the chicken is resting, heat a cast-iron pan over medium heat. If you don’t have a cast-iron pan, use any non-stick pan with a heavy bottom.
Sprinkle the flour on top of the grease and whisk to combine. Continue to whisk for about a minute until you notice a baked pie crust smell. Pour in the whole milk or heavy cream while whisking. When the gravy thickens, turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- The foundation of great sawmill gravy is bacon grease, providing a depth of flavor.
- Creating a proper roux by cooking the flour in the fat until it smells like pie crust is essential.
- Whisking constantly while adding the milk or cream prevents lumps.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a rich and creamy Cracker Barrel-style sawmill gravy to accompany your chicken fried chicken.
Pro Tips for Copycat Success
Elevate your comfort food game with these pro tips for making authentic Cracker Barrel-style chicken fried chicken. To achieve perfection, it’s crucial to pay attention to the details.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making chicken fried chicken, several factors can make or break the dish. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Maintain oil at a steady 350°F for a crispy coating.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Let breaded chicken rest on a wire rack before frying for better coating adhesion.
| Tip | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Control | Maintain oil at 350°F | Crispy coating on fried chicken |
| Even Thickness | Pound chicken to 1/2 inch | Uniform cooking and tender results |
| Resting Time | Let breaded chicken rest on a wire rack | Better coating adhesion during frying |
By following these pro tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a delicious copycat version of Cracker Barrel’s cracker barrel chicken that rivals the original. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
To elevate your Cracker Barrel-inspired meal, consider the perfect accompaniments for your chicken fried chicken. Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and mac and cheese are staples for a reason.
For an authentic experience, serve your chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, the perfect vehicle for that delicious sawmill gravy. Traditional Southern sides like slow-cooked green beans with bacon or corn complement the richness of the dish.
- Mashed potatoes for a comforting, filling side
- Green beans or collard greens for a traditional Southern touch
- Mac and cheese for a creamy, comforting element
- Cracker Barrel-style biscuits or cornbread for a complete meal
For a balanced meal, consider adding a refreshing side like coleslaw or a simple green salad. When plating, you can either pour the gravy directly over the chicken or serve it on the side. Enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel-style meal!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
When you’ve made too much Cracker Barrel-style chicken fried chicken, knowing how to store and reheat leftovers is crucial. You can store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s essential to keep the gravy in a separate container with a lid to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to two months. To do this, place the room-temperature chicken on a baking tray and freeze for an hour. Then, transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer bag or a container with a lid.
To reheat, use an air fryer: preheat to 375°F, spray with a bit of vegetable oil, and heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven by placing the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F for about 8 minutes per side.
| Reheating Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | 375°F | 3-4 minutes per side |
| Oven | 400°F | 8 minutes per side |
After reheating, let the chicken rest before serving. If you have remaining chicken, repeat the reheating process as needed.
Conclusion
Indulge in the rich flavors of Cracker Barrel’s chicken fried chicken without leaving home, thanks to this copycat recipe. By mastering the double-breading technique and creamy sawmill gravy, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality Southern comfort food whenever you crave it. With practice, your technique will improve, leading to increasingly delicious results. Experiment with variations to make it your own and enjoy the authentic taste of Cracker Barrel at home.
