• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
You Say Potatoes
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Air Fryer
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
  • Looking down at a bowl of copycat Cracker Barrel Roast Beef with gravy.
    Copycat Cracker Barrel Roast Beef
  • Side view of a serving dish of shrimp macaroni salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Shrimp Macaroni Salad
  • A stack of pecan coconut cookies on a wooden table.
    Pecan Coconut Cookies
  • Looking down at a bowl of mango corn salsa with tortilla chips.
    Mango Corn Salsa
  • Close up of a slice of gruyere au gratin potatoes.
    Gruyere Au Gratin Potatoes
  • Looking down at a plate of spicy chicken wings.
    Spicy Fried Chicken Wings
  • Stack of mashed potato pancakes on a plate.
    Mashed Potato Pancakes
  • A bowl of smoked salmon cucumber salad on a table.
    Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad
  • Close up of air fryer stuffed mushrooms on a plate.
    Tex Mex Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Looking down at a plate of curried chicken legs.
    Curried Chicken Legs
  • A plate of cookie butter white chocolate chip cookies, with a Lotus biscoff cookie in it.
    White Chocolate Cookie Butter Cookies
  • An Instant Pot whole roasted chicken on a plate on a table.
    Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Home » Recipes » Chicken

Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken Copycat

Published: Apr 5, 2023 by Kate

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Pile of fried chicken, list of ingredients and title: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken.
Pile of fried chicken with one cut open, and title: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken.

Make your own copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken right at home, complete with a crispy and flavorful coating, tender and juicy chicken. It has a rich buttermilk coating and is full of bold herbs and spices. Plus, it's super easy to make.

A plate of copycat Cracker Barrel chicken fried chicken on a plate, with one cut in half.

Get ready to taste the ultimate comfort food with a copycat recipe that will have you feeling like you're dining at Cracker Barrel!

We're talking about their famous Southern-style Chicken Fried Chicken. It has a crispy and flavorful coating, tender and juicy buttermilk chicken, and bold herbs and spices.

Make it in no time, then serve it up with a creamy and delicious gravy that ties it all together.

This recipe is sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire, as it is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and delicious.

Get ready to impress your taste buds with this mouthwatering copycat recipe!

We love serving this copycat Cracker Barrel chicken fried chicken recipe in a copycat feast of all our restaurant favorites! You'll want to serve it with white gravy like at the restaurant.

Be sure to also try it with a side of KFC Macaroni Salad, Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice, or Taco Bell Cheesy Roll Ups.

Jump to:
  • Cracker Barrel
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to make Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken
  • More Copycat Recipes
  • Tips for making chicken fried chicken
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is a popular American restaurant chain that began way back in 1969. Their goal was to provide a friendly, home-away-from-home atmosphere where travelers could stop and enjoy a good meal.

Today, Cracker Barrel has become known for its Southern-style cooking, with a menu that features traditional favorites like chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, and biscuits and gravy. Plus of course, this famous Chicken Fried Chicken!

This recipe is my tried and tested copycat recipe of the Cracker Barrel version.

Looking down at a plate of copycat cracker barrel fried chicken on a table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Here are some great reasons to make copycat Cracker Barrel chicken fried chicken:

  1. The crispy seasoned coating and tender buttermilk chicken taste even better than Cracker Barrel (in our humble opionion).
  2. You can customize the recipe to your liking, adding your own favorite spices and seasonings.
  3. It's a great way to enjoy the taste of Cracker Barrel's famous chicken fried chicken without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
  4. It's a fun and easy recipe to make with friends or family, making it a great choice for a weekend cooking project.
  5. You can make it for a fraction of the cost of eating out, saving you money and allowing you to enjoy this tasty dish more often.
  6. It's a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to green beans or mac and cheese.
  7. It's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds and begging for the recipe.
  8. You can make a big batch and serve it up for game day, a party, or bring it to a potluck.
Labelled ingredients on a table.

Ingredients

You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!

  • Chicken - you'll need boneless skinless chicken for this recipe, so chicken breasts work best.
  • Buttermilk - Buttermilk makes fried chicken super tender and Southern-style.
  • Flour - just regular all-purpose flour, or go for a gluten-free variety.
  • Oil - You'll need vegetable oil for frying.
  • Spices: chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano - these spices give that classic Cracker Barrel Southern flavor. Feel free to adapt the herbs and spices to your preferences.

See the recipe card for quantities and method.

How to make Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken

Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

A bowl of flour and spices, and a bowl of buttermilk.

Cut the chicken breasts into 3" strips.

Mix the flour, salt, herbs, and spices in a shallow bowl.

Mix the buttermilk and water in another shallow bowl.

Breading the chicken in flour and buttermilk.

Dip the chicken strips into the flour mixture to coat on all sides, and shake off the excess, then dip it into the buttermilk to coat, and then back in the the flour mixture. Place the coated chicken onto a wire rack. Repeat with all the chicken.

Let the coated chicken rest on the wire rack for 10 minutes, so the coating doesn't fall off the chicken during frying.

Frying the chicken.

Pour 3 inches of oil into a large heavy-bottomed pan and heat to 350°F.

Use tongs to carefully transfer the chicken to the hot oil (do this in batches so the pan isn't crowded and make the temperature of the oil drop). Cook, turning halfway, for approximately 7 minutes or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Chicken fried chicken on a wire rack.

Place the fried chicken onto a wire rack over a plate of paper towels, to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with white gravy!

Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

More Copycat Recipes

  • A wooden table with a serving dish of homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni.
    Cheeseburger Macaroni
  • A bowl of Panda Express copycat Orange Chicken.
    Panda Express Orange Chicken Copycat
  • A glass of Starbucks copycat Pistachio Frappuccino topped with whipped cream and chopped pistachios.
    Pistachio Frappuccino
  • A stack of graham cracker ice cream sandwiches and one has a bite out.
    Graham Cracker Ice Cream Sandwiches

Tips for making chicken fried chicken

Sure! Here are some tips for making delicious fried chicken:

  1. Choose high-quality chicken that is fresh and free from any visible defects. It's also important to choose the right cut of chicken: for this recipe, you'll need chicken breasts.
  2. Use a suitable food thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and make sure it stays between 325°F and 375°F. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
  3. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, greasy chicken.
  4. Use a wire rack or paper towels to drain the fried chicken of excess oil after cooking. This will help keep the chicken crispy and prevent it from getting soggy.
  5. Allow the fried chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices settle and the coating set. This will help keep the chicken juicy and the coating crispy.
Close up of a plate of chicken fried chicken made in the style of Cracker Barrel.

Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!

📖 Recipe

A plate of copycat Cracker Barrel chicken fried chicken on a plate, with one cut in half.

Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken

Make copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Chicken, with a crispy buttermilk coating, bold herbs and spices, plus tender and juicy chicken!
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken fried chicken, cracker barrel copycat
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes
Resting time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 311kcal
Author: Kate | You Say Potatoes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Heavy bottomed pot
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breasts into 3" strips.
  • Mix the flour, salt, herbs, and spices in a shallow bowl.
  • Mix the buttermilk and water in another shallow bowl.
  • Dip the chicken strips into the flour mixture to coat on all sides, and shake off the excess, then dip it into the buttermilk to coat, and then back in the the flour mixture. Place the coated chicken onto a wire rack. Repeat with all the chicken.
  • Let the coated chicken rest on the wire rack for 10 minutes, so the coating doesn't fall off the chicken during frying.
  • Pour 3 inches of oil into a large heavy bottomed pan and heat to 350°F.
  • Use tongs to carefully transfer the chicken to the hot oil (do this in batches so the pan isn't crowded and make the temperature of the oil drop). Cook, turning halfway, for approximately 7 minutes or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  • Place the fried chicken onto a wire rack over a plate of paper towels, to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tried this recipe?Head down to the comments and give it a star rating!

Nutrition

Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 493mg | Potassium: 679mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 134IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 2mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

More Chicken Recipes

  • A plate of kung pao chicken.
    Spicy Chicken Recipes
  • Looking down at a plate of breaded chicken cutlets, with one cut into strips.
    Breaded Chicken Cutlets
  • A plate of chicken rice casserole without soup.
    Chicken and Rice Casserole Without Soup
  • Close up of lemon pepper chicken wings.
    Lemon Pepper Wings

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 9 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Tayler

    April 05, 2023 at 3:32 pm

    5 stars
    I LOVE Cracker Barrel, and since moving I don't have one near me. I can't wait to try this delicious looking chicken fried chicken copycat!

    Reply
  2. Casey

    April 05, 2023 at 4:00 pm

    5 stars
    This chicken was AMAZING and I wished I'd made a double batch! Adding it to the regular rotation.

    Reply
  3. Kim

    April 09, 2023 at 3:52 pm

    5 stars
    This really did taste close to the original recipe! My entire family enjoyed it!

    Reply
  4. Chenee

    April 11, 2023 at 3:53 pm

    5 stars
    The batter on this was perfect! So crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Will definitely be making it again!

    Reply
  5. Kathleen

    April 12, 2023 at 3:50 pm

    5 stars
    This chicken fried chicken tasted just like cracker barrels. Yum!

    Reply
    • Alanna

      May 13, 2024 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      We liked it! Served with lots of roasted veggies. Had plenty for sandwiches the next day.

      Reply
  6. katie q

    April 26, 2024 at 1:40 am

    5 stars
    Tasted just like a CB. But better because I did it myself haha.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Kate cooking.

Hi, I'm Kate! You Say Potatoes, I say, well, potatoes. I'm a cookbook author and journalist from the Pacific Northwest. Here you'll find easy, budget-friendly recipes made from scratch.

More about me →

Popular Recipes

  • Side view of a plate of Outback Steakhouse bread with one piece sliced and one with butter.
    Outback Steakhouse Bread copycat
  • Cooked chicken legs in air fryer.
    Air Fryer Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)
  • Serving dish of cooked cabbage with butter melting into it and pepper on top.
    Buttered Cabbage
  • Platter of raw vegetables and copycat ranch sauce.
    Wingstop Ranch Recipe (copycat)
Collage of press logos.

Healthy Recipes

  • Teriyaki salmon on a plate.
    Teriyaki Salmon (Air Fryer)
  • Close up of a salad topped with grilled shawarma chicken.
    Chicken Shawarma Salad
  • Looking down at a dish of mango black bean salad.
    Mango Black Bean Salad
  • Plate of Moroccan chicken couscous with harissa yogurt sauce.
    Moroccan Chicken Couscous

Footer

↑ back to top

Information

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Cookie Policy
  • Website Accessibility Statement

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Partner Site

  • Veggie Desserts

Contact

  • Contact
  • About Me

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 You Say Potatoes

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this recipe!
We all loved this recipe and I'm sure I'll make it again and again!

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.