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Flat lay shot of a white ceramic plate with the finished Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken recipe.

Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

This is the best Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken recipe for recreating that golden and crispy flavor Cracker Barrel is known for.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinate 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 388 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces or 4 bone-in chicken thighs & 4 drumsticks
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Breading:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for spice

For Frying:

  • Vegetable oil enough for deep frying, about 3-4 cups

Instructions
 

  • Place bone-in chicken pieces in a bowl or zip-lock bag. Pour buttermilk over the chicken and add salt, pepper, and paprika.
    1 whole chicken, 2 cups buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
    2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
  • Let the breaded chicken sit for 10-15 minutes (this helps the coating stick).
  • Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 325°F (lower heat ensures bone-in chicken cooks fully without burning the coating).
    Vegetable oil
  • Fry dark meat (thighs & drumsticks) for 13-15 minutes per side, and white meat (breasts & wings) for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to keep it juicy and crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 24gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 713mgPotassium: 324mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 470IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken recipe
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