Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken – Copycat Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Sunday homestyle chicken recipe is a classic Southern-style dish that nicely conveys the cozy vibes of the favorite restaurant chain.

For those yet to visit a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, they stand out by serving food infused with traditional Southern fare. Conveniently located off highways, their restaurants lure travelers in with Southern hospitality where good food and a welcoming atmosphere go hand in hand.

​Along with their chicken and dumplings meal, Sunday homestyle chicken is a top favorite on Cracker Barrel’s menu. The chicken’s crispy, golden exterior gives way to tender and juicy meat on the inside. Each bite makes you feel as though you’re enjoying a homestyle Sunday dinner. 

​Even though it is fried, this recipe doesn’t call for buttermilk like the Cracker Barrel’s special buttermilk batter version. What it does include is boneless chicken breasts hand-dipped in an egg wash, featuring the good Southern cooking flavor this restaurant is known for.

This copycat recipe of the classic Cracker Barrel Sunday homestyle chicken is so simple to make and will allow you to capture the essence of the renowned restaurant chain right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Ingredients Needed for Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

• 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko/ breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ inches of avocado oil, for deep-frying
• 1 potato, for mashed potato side (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation with Pictures

1. If you find your chicken breasts are thick, thin them out into chicken cutlets using a meat pounder. You can also use a sharp knife to cut them to your desired thickness.

2. Prepare egg wash by whisking 1 egg with 2 tbsp water.

3. Combine flour with salt and pepper. Use this flour mixture to dredge the chicken in.

4. Dip floured chicken in egg wash and coat with breadcrumbs as a final step.

5. Pour the oil into a deep frying pan or skillet and set to high heat.

6. When the oil is hot enough (between 325° F and 375° F), deep-fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil until cooked for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. It should turn golden brown.

TIP! Make sure the oil temperature reaches at least 325° F before adding the chicken, otherwise the chicken will start to absorb the oil and become soggy and greasy. But don’t wait for the oil to get too hot either. In that case, the chicken will burn on the outside without being fully cooked on the inside. Use a deep fry thermometer to reach an optimal temperature of 325-375° F.

7. Serve with mashed potato and green beans. Enjoy!

Variation Ideas for This Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Herbs and Seasonings: You can try using different herbs and seasonings such as diced or dried rosemary and basil, turmeric, or cumin in the flour to add more flavor and moisture to this Sunday homestyle chicken. 

Bring the Heat: Use finely chopped chili peppers, paprika, or cayenne pepper to add some heat to this dish. Mixing buttermilk and 1/2 cup of hot sauce together to coat the chicken will thicken this homestyle chicken recipe. It will also take the spiciness of this meal to the next level.

Low Carb Ideas: Are you on a diet regimen, or are you monitoring your g fat or g net carbs in your daily diet? Use almond flour or keto-friendly breadcrumbs for low-carb health or keto diet recipes in line with your weight loss effort.

Skip the Frying: If you want a healthier way to cook this Cracker Barrel Sunday homestyle chicken, then bake it instead. After dredging the chicken, you can add a bit of oil to a baking dish, place the chicken in the dish, then bake it for 60 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Serve with roasted veggies to cut on total carbs.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

• Coleslaw, macaroni, potato, or tomato salads are quick and easy options to place alongside this southern fried chicken recipe.

• If you want a heartier dish to serve with this Sunday homestyle chicken that follows Cracker Barrel’s menu, macaroni and cheese, potatoes (mashed, smashed, or fried), cornbread, or buttermilk biscuits are yummy ones to choose from.

• Keto-friendly and health-conscious pairings like sautéed veggies, green beans, collard greens, and these stuffed portobello mushrooms will also pair nicely with chicken.

• To end your meal, peach cobbler, banana pudding, mini turtle cheesecakes, or key lime pie bites are scrumptious ideas to try!

How to Store This Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken Dish

Store: Any leftover fried chicken should be placed in an airtight container less than 2 hours after being cooked. Once in the fridge, it can last for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Once cooled, individually wrap your chicken pieces in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will keep the chicken moist and help save its flavor and texture. Place your chicken in airtight freezer bags and remove any excess air before sealing it and store in the freezer. It can stay frozen for up to 4 months.

Reheat: From the fridge, place your chicken on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Once preheated, bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the core temperature has reached 165° F and the skin is crispy again. If your chicken is frozen, thaw it in the fridge for a day before you want to reheat it. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions above. 

One Last Thing

Your family will love tucking into this Cracker Barrel Sunday homestyle chicken! The crunchy coating and the tender meat will teleport you to a comforting atmosphere of Cracker Barrel’s Southern flavors and homestyle goodness.

There are many ways you can change this chicken dish to make it your own.

Plus, this homestyle chicken recipe is simple to put together and is sure to become a main stay in your meal rotation any night of the week.

In short, this Cracker Barrel Sunday chicken copycat recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite, bringing the warmth of Southern hospitality to your family table.

Your Turn

If you make this copycat Cracker Barrel Sunday homestyle chicken, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.

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