Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

Looking to make a delicious batch of Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken? Look no further than you air fryer!

Indulge in the savory comfort of Cracker Barrel’s Southern Fried Chicken. Made with a perfect blend of spices and a crispy golden crust, each bite offers a taste of traditional Southern cooking. Savor the tender, juicy chicken paired with classic sides for a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

If you love easy Cracker Barrel Recipes, try my recipe for broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat), cracker barrel carrot recipe, air fryer cracker barrel macaroni and cheese, or air fryer cracker barrel’s buttermilk biscuits.

Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken is a quintessential dish that embodies the flavors of traditional Southern cuisine.

Each succulent piece of chicken is expertly seasoned with a blend of spices, then coated in a crispy, golden breading that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.

The chicken is fried to perfection, locking in its natural juices and creating a tender, flavorful interior. This iconic dish is a staple on Cracker Barrel’s menu, beloved by diners for its comforting and nostalgic appeal.

Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a hearty Southern feast, Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken never fails to impress. It’s a dish that brings people together, evoking memories of family gatherings and Sunday suppers.

Served alongside classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, and coleslaw, this dish offers a taste of home-cooked goodness with every mouthful. With its irresistible flavor and timeless charm, Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken continues to hold a special place in the hearts of food lovers everywhere.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy Exterior: Air frying Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken yields a perfectly crispy exterior that rivals the traditional deep-fried version, without the excess oil.
• Tender and Juicy: Despite being air fried, this method ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy on the inside, preserving its flavorful juices.
• Healthier Alternative: By using the air fryer, you can enjoy the indulgent taste of Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken with significantly less oil, making it a healthier option for those watching their fat intake.
• Quick and Convenient: With the air fryer’s rapid cooking technology, you can have delicious Southern Fried Chicken ready in a fraction of the time it takes to prepare it using traditional methods.
• Customizable Seasonings: You have the freedom to adjust the seasonings to your liking, allowing you to personalize the flavor profile of the chicken to suit your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Air frying Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken is a family-friendly option that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients Needed For Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make a delicious match of the famous Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Recipe!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken Pieces: Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken starts with high-quality chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, or breast cutlets, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
• Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and imparts a subtle tanginess, while also helping the breading adhere for a crispy coating.
• Hot Sauce: For added heat, mixed in with the buttermilk, it can be omitted.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used to dredge the chicken pieces before frying, creating a crispy crust that locks in the chicken’s juices.
• Seasonings: A blend of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

How To Make Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken

To make Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken at home, follow these simple steps:

Marinate: In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with hot sauce (if using). Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then submerge them in the buttermilk mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Dredge Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.

Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375 degrees F.

Air Fry & Cook: Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. Set cook time for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Pro Tips For Southern Fried Chicken Cracker Barrel Recipe

• Brine the Chicken: For extra juicy and flavorful chicken, brine the chicken pieces in a mixture of saltwater and buttermilk for several hours or overnight before breading and frying.
• Use a Buttermilk Soak: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, resulting in a more succulent and tender fried chicken.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After dredging the chicken in the flour mixture, let it rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to adhere better to the chicken and creates a crispier crust.
• Season Immediately After Frying: While the chicken is still hot from the fryer, sprinkle it with a little extra salt and any additional seasoning to enhance the flavor before serving.

Faqs Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces such as chicken breast or tenders for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless pieces may cook faster.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer? It’s generally recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken. Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crisping of the chicken.

How do I prevent the breading from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent the breading from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil before adding the chicken.

Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor? Yes, you can use seasoned breadcrumbs or add additional seasoning to the breading mixture for extra flavor. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the taste to your liking.

What temperature and cooking time should I use for the air fryer? Start by air frying the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Adjust the time as needed based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.

How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken pieces.

Can I make a larger batch of chicken in the air fryer? You can make a larger batch of chicken in the air fryer by cooking the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.

Do you love Cracker Barrel? Try these copycat recipes!

• cracker barrel carrot recipe
• air fryer cracker barrel macaroni and cheese
• broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat)
• air fryer cracker barrel’s buttermilk biscuits
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel fried apples
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel grilled chicken tenders

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