Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this delicious cracker barrel chicken! Whenever I think of Cracker Barrel, it brings back memories of cozy family dinners and the warm, inviting atmosphere that just makes you feel at home. This dish is like a hug on a plate—crispy, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful blend of spices, and then simmered in a sweet and savory broth that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, the buttermilk marinade really does wonders for the chicken, making it tender and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re hosting friends and family; they’ll be raving about it long after the plates are empty! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making this comforting classic together!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk (this is key for a juicy, tender chicken!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for that perfect crispy coating)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance all the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds amazing depth)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for that extra layer of flavor)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying, you want it nice and hot!)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (to create that lovely sauce)
- 1/4 cup honey (to balance the savory with a touch of sweetness)
How to Prepare Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, you’ll want to marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour—trust me, this step is essential! The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, making it juicy and delicious. If you’ve got the time, letting it soak overnight in the fridge will only enhance the flavors even more. Just pop the chicken in a bowl with the buttermilk, cover it, and let it chill while you prepare the rest. Easy peasy!
Preparing the Coating
Now that your chicken is marinating, let’s get that delicious coating ready! In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. This mixture is where all the magic happens! Once the chicken is done marinating, take it out and let any excess buttermilk drip off. Then, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. I like to give it a little shake to remove any excess flour; we want a nice, crispy crust, not a floury mess!
Cooking the Chicken
Time to get cooking! Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the chicken. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle as they cook, and the smell? Oh wow, it’s heavenly! Flip them gently to avoid losing that beautiful crust.
Adding Broth and Honey
Once your chicken is beautifully golden, it’s time to add the chicken broth and honey to the skillet. Pour them in carefully, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for 15 minutes; this step allows the chicken to soak up all those wonderful flavors and ensures it’s cooked through. You’ll end up with tender, mouthwatering chicken in a sweet and savory sauce that takes it to the next level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals.
- Great for family dinners; everyone will want seconds!
- Gluten-free, so it’s suitable for various dietary needs.
- Versatile—pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve guests.
Tips for Success
- Adjusting Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to tweak the seasoning to your taste! If you like a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. If you love herbs, try adding some dried thyme or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
- Get That Oil Hot: It’s crucial to make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good test is to drop a small pinch of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go! This ensures a crispy coating and prevents the chicken from absorbing too much oil.
- Check for Doneness: To make sure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, just cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there’s no pink left.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more tender and juicy!
- Pair It Right: Think about what sides you want to serve with your delicious cracker barrel chicken. Classic choices like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread complement the dish beautifully!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this mouthwatering delicious cracker barrel chicken, and now you’ve got some leftovers? No worries, I’ve got you covered! First, let your chicken cool down to room temperature before you store it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. Place the chicken in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you want to maintain all that juicy goodness. The best way to reheat your chicken is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it from drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If you want to get that crispy coating back, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let it crisp up again. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overdo it—heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid rubbery chicken!
Enjoy your delicious leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious cracker barrel chicken! While it’s certainly a comforting dish, I always like to keep an eye on what I’m serving up. Here’s the estimated nutritional information per serving, which is based on typical ingredients used:
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific products you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re watching certain nutrients closely. Enjoy this comforting dish knowing that it’s not only delicious but also packed with protein to keep you feeling satisfied!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will give you a similar tangy flavor!
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you’re out of chicken broth, you can easily swap it for vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Just keep in mind that chicken broth adds a depth of flavor, so if you go with water, consider adding a bit more seasoning to compensate.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the flour mixture before dredging the chicken. You could also add a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk for an extra kick while marinating!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating. It’s best to do this in the fridge overnight for safety, but if you’re short on time, you can also use the microwave’s defrost setting.
What sides go well with the delicious cracker barrel chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, or buttery cornbread. You can also whip up a simple salad for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless!
Delicious Cracker Barrel Chicken That Will Melt Your Heart
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and comforting dish inspired by the famous Cracker Barrel restaurant.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes each side.
- Add chicken broth and honey to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite sides.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: delicious cracker barrel chicken
