These copycat Cracker Barrel chicken recipes bring the Old Country Store’s most-ordered comfort food to your own table, no road trip required. From crispy Sunday Homestyle Chicken to a cozy bowl of chicken noodle soup, each one is a tested recipe from Fork To Spoon.

Most of them are made in the air fryer. That means you get the golden, crunchy coating Cracker Barrel is known for with far less oil and cleanup than a deep fryer.

Pick one for a weeknight dinner, or pull a few together with biscuits and sides for a full country-style Sunday supper.

The Recipes

1. Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

cracker barrel sunday homestyle chicken
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This is the dish most fans mean when they say “Cracker Barrel chicken.” Boneless chicken breasts soak in buttermilk, then get dredged in flour seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. The buttermilk tenderizes the meat and helps the coating cling, so it cooks up crisp and golden in the air fryer.

Get the recipe: Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken

2. Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

Cracker-Barrel-Southern-Fried-Chicken-7

For a classic bone-in fried chicken dinner, this version is the one to make. Fork To Spoon recommends bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best mix of flavor and juiciness. A well-seasoned crust gives you that old-fashioned Southern crunch without a pot of hot oil.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

3. Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders

Bojangles Fried Chicken Recipe {Copycat} No Bojangles roundup would be complete without the star of the show—that golden, crispy, perfectly spiced fried chicken. A buttermilk marinade and a bold Cajun spice blend give you that signature craggy crust and juicy interior that made Bojangles famous. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or whenever that Southern fried chicken craving hits. View Recipe → Easy Bojangles Mac And Cheese Recipe Bojangles mac and cheese isn't just a side dish—it's an experience, and this copycat nails that incredibly creamy, slow-cooked soul. The secret is letting the noodles and a perfect blend of cheeses come together low and slow in the Crockpot, completely hands-off. It pairs perfectly with a spicy chicken breast or a buttery biscuit, just like the real thing. View Recipe → Easy Bojangles Dirty Rice Recipe (The Ultimate Copycat!) If you ask me, the dirty rice is the true unsung hero of the Bojangles fixins menu—and it deserves way more love. This one-pot version uses breakfast sausage and a deeply savory spice blend to capture that bold, meaty flavor you know and crave. It's the kind of side dish that steals the show every single time. View Recipe → Copycat Bojangles Chicken Tenders If you love a great fried chicken tender but want to skip the mess of deep frying, this air fryer version is exactly what you need. The Cajun-spiced breading comes out perfectly crispy while the chicken inside stays incredibly juicy and tender. It makes a fantastic lunch or dinner the whole family will love! View Recipe →

Kids and grown-ups both order these at the restaurant. Chicken strips are soaked in buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, and air fried until golden, with a flip halfway through. Serve them with fries, honey mustard, or a side of country gravy.

Get the recipe: Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders

4. Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

Grilled chicken tenders cooked in the air fryer, golden brown and juicy, served on a white plate with dipping sauce.

Want the lighter option? The grilled tenders get their signature sweet-tangy flavor from a simple marinade of Italian dressing, honey and lime juice. Marinate them overnight for even more flavor, then air fry until they reach 165°F inside. Chicken breasts cut into strips work too.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

5. Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (Cracker Barrel Copycat)

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (Cracker Barrel Copycat)

This one is a true family-dinner favorite. Seasoned chicken breasts are topped with a cheesy broccoli mixture and finished with crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Fork To Spoon makes it in the air fryer; pair it with rice or buttered noodles.

Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken (Cracker Barrel Copycat)

6. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

On a cold night, nothing beats this bowl. Chicken simmers in broth until cooked, gets shredded, and goes back into the pot with egg noodles, vegetables and a touch of thyme. It is an easy stovetop recipe that tastes like it took all day.

Get the recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Noodle Soup

7. Cracker Barrel Dumplings (Make It Chicken and Dumplings)

cracker barrel dumplings jump to recipe

At the restaurant, the dumplings are served on their own as a side. Stir in cooked shredded chicken, though, and you have homemade chicken and dumplings, a Cracker Barrel classic.

Get the recipe: Cracker Barrel Dumplings

Tips for Getting That Cracker Barrel Taste

  • Don’t skip the buttermilk. It tenderizes the chicken and gives the flour something to grab, which is how you get a thick, crunchy crust.
  • Season the flour, not just the chicken. Paprika, garlic powder and onion powder in the dredge are what make the coating taste like the restaurant’s.
  • Cook in a single layer. Crowding the air fryer basket steams the coating instead of crisping it. Work in batches if needed.
  • Use a thermometer. Chicken is done at 165°F in the thickest part, whether it’s breasts, thighs or tenders.
  • Think about the sides. A Cracker Barrel plate isn’t complete without biscuits, mashed potatoes, green beans or fried apples.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cracker Barrel’s Sunday Homestyle Chicken?

It’s boneless chicken breast soaked in buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour and fried until golden. The copycat Sunday Homestyle Chicken recreates it in the air fryer.

Can I make Cracker Barrel fried chicken in the air fryer?

Yes. Most of these copycat recipes, including the Southern fried chicken and the fried tenders, are written for the air fryer. You get a crisp crust with much less oil.

What is in the Cracker Barrel grilled chicken tenders marinade?

The copycat marinade uses Italian dressing, honey and lime juice. Letting the tenders sit overnight deepens the flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes. Slice breasts into strips about the size of tenders so they cook evenly, and check for 165°F inside.

Does Cracker Barrel serve dumplings without chicken?

Yes. As a side, the dumplings come without chicken. Add shredded cooked chicken at home to turn them into chicken and dumplings.

Bring Cracker Barrel Home Tonight

You don’t need a rocking chair on the porch to enjoy Cracker Barrel chicken. Start with the Sunday Homestyle Chicken for the full experience, or go with the grilled chicken tenders for something lighter.

Which Cracker Barrel chicken dish is your favorite? Tell us in the comments, and save this post so you have it ready for your next comfort-food night.