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Few dishes capture the heart of Southern cuisine like fried chicken, and no one does it quite like Cracker Barrel. Their signature Southern Fried Chicken is a perfect blend of crispy, golden-brown crust and juicy, tender meat. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this classic dish at home, you’re in luck! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Cracker Barrel’s Southern Fried Chicken in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Brine:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions
Step 1: Brine the Chicken
- Prepare the Brine: In a large bowl, combine water, salt, sugar, black peppercorns, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
- Brine the Chicken: Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Make the Buttermilk Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until well combined.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In another shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Dry the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip in Buttermilk: Next, dip the flour-coated chicken into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Second Flour Coating: Return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create a thick, crispy crust.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot oil. Fry for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Drain the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken
- Consistent Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it drops too low, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy. If it’s too high, the crust will burn before the chicken cooks through.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking.
- Rest After Frying: Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more succulent.
Serving Suggestions
Cracker Barrel’s Southern Fried Chicken is best served with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and cornbread. A drizzle of honey or a splash of hot sauce can take it to the next level.
Final Thoughts
Recreating Cracker Barrel’s Southern Fried Chicken at home is a labor of love, but the result is more than worth it. This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful, and tender chicken that will make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite Southern restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Enjoy your homemade Southern Fried Chicken, and don’t forget to share your cooking experience with us! Happy frying!