Dishing out Cracker Barrel's Sunday Homestyle Chicken transforms any meal into a Southern feast, with each boneless breast enveloped in a special buttermilk batter for that quintessential golden crisp.
This signature dish, celebrated for bringing the homestyle warmth of Southern cooking to your dining table, makes every day feel like a cherished Sunday gathering.
Rooted in the tradition of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store's kitchens, this favorite recipe has long captured hearts with its authentic Southern charm.
Perfect for both festive occasions and cozy family meals, the unique blend of seasoned flour and buttermilk not only infuses the chicken with irresistible flavor but also ensures a moist interior beneath its crunchy exterior. Embrace the spirit of Cracker Barrel at home and elevate any meal into an unforgettable experience.
Recipe Requirements
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Proceed
- Begin by using a meat pounder to flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness, which will ensure they cook evenly.
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk with salt and pepper, and submerge the chicken breasts, covering with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350 degrees, ensuring there's enough oil in a deep layer for the chicken pieces to float.
- Combine flour with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a shallow dish to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, usually taking about 10 minutes per side. Maintain an oil temperature of 350 degrees for best results.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and rest for a few minutes before serving.
Additional Choices
- For a healthier option, use avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for frying, or prepare the chicken in an air fryer to reduce oil usage.
- Substitute buttermilk with a combination of milk and lemon juice for those with buttermilk dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Tips to Follow
- Ensure the oil temperature remains at 350 degrees throughout frying to achieve a consistent golden brown color and crispy texture.
- For extra flavor, add spices such as garlic powder or paprika to the seasoned flour mixture.
- Serve with Cracker Barrel copycat recipes like buttermilk biscuits or a light side such as lettuce wraps to balance the meal.
Equipment Requirements
- A deep fryer or a large, deep skillet for frying
- A wire rack and baking sheet to drain the chicken
- Meat pounder for flattening chicken breasts
- Plastic wrap for marinating chicken
Prep Time
The preparation for Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken begins with a marinating time of at least 1 hour. The frying process takes about 20 minutes, and you should allow an additional 10 minutes for the chicken to rest before serving.
Overall, from start to finish, you should allot approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to ensure this dish is served perfectly.
Preparing the Perfect Dish
- Present the golden-fried Sunday Homestyle Chicken on a platter alongside traditional Southern sides such as mashed potatoes or green beans.
- For a complete Cracker Barrel experience, serve with sweet iced tea or lemonade.
How to Store
- Store any leftover golden-fried Sunday Homestyle Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extended freshness, tightly wrap the chicken with plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
Recipe Notes
- For an extra kick, serve the chicken with a side of spicy dipping sauce or honey for a sweet and savory contrast.
- While this dish is a favorite year-round, it's especially comforting during the colder months, paired with hearty sides like macaroni and cheese or collard greens.
Does Cracker Barrel Serve Sunday Homestyle Chicken Every Day?
Yes, Cracker Barrel serves Sunday Homestyle Chicken® every day, allowing patrons to enjoy this classic Southern dish any night of the week. The restaurant has made it part of its regular menu, ensuring that the golden-fried Sunday Homestyle Chicken, known for its down-home, comforting flavor, can be a part of your dining experience whenever you visit.
What is Fried Sunday Homestyle Chicken?
Fried Sunday Homestyle Chicken is a Cracker Barrel specialty featuring two boneless chicken breasts hand-dipped in a special buttermilk batter, breaded, and fried to a crispy, golden brown. This dish embodies the essence of classic Southern comfort food, delivering a crispy outside with a juicy, flavorful inside optimized for a delightful eating experience.
How many calories are in Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken?
The calorie content in Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken can vary, but it is typically around 1,350 calories per serving. This includes the chicken deep-fried in vegetable oil and served as a main dish, often accompanied by countryside.
Cracker Barrel provides allergen information and notes on calorie needs on their allergen page for those monitoring their intake.
Does Cracker Barrel Serve Baked Chicken?
As of my last update, Cracker Barrel primarily focuses on traditional Southern fried chicken dishes, including their famous Sunday Homestyle Chicken. While they offer a variety of chicken recipes, baked chicken is not typically featured as a prominent option on their menu, which is more known for its classic fried and grilled chicken offerings.
Could This be Cooked in an Air Fryer?
Many fried chicken recipes, including those similar to Cracker Barrel's Sunday Homestyle Chicken, can be adapted to cook in an air fryer. To do so, prepare the chicken as usual with its buttermilk and flour coating, then cook it in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. This method produces a crispy and juicy exterior with less oil.
How Long Does It Take To Fry Chicken Strips?
Frying chicken strips typically takes about 4 to 5 minutes in hot oil at 350 degrees. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with the juices running clear. The exact time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces and the type of oil used. Always ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature for the best results.
Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken: Weekend Delights
Equipment
- A deep fryer or a large, deep skillet for frying
- A wire rack and baking sheet to drain the chicken
- Meat pounder for flattening chicken breasts
- Plastic wrap for marinating chicken
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by using a meat pounder to flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness, which will ensure they cook evenly.
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk with salt and pepper, and submerge the chicken breasts, covering with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to marinate.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350 degrees, ensuring there's enough oil in a deep layer for the chicken pieces to float.
- Combine flour with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a shallow dish to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Carefully place chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, usually taking about 10 minutes per side. Maintain an oil temperature of 350 degrees for best results.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an extra kick, serve the chicken with a side of spicy dipping sauce or honey for a sweet and savory contrast.
- While this dish is a favorite year-round, it's especially comforting during the colder months, paired with hearty sides like macaroni and cheese or collard greens.
More Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipes
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe
Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
Cracker Barrel Chicken and Rice Recipe
Cracker Barrel Hamburger Steak Recipe
Cracker Barrel Turnip Greens Recipe
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