There’s something deeply comforting about a plate of crispy, golden Sunday Homestyle Chicken from Cracker Barrel. This recipe combines delicious, tender meat with the crunch we all know as Southern-style fried chicken.

I still remember the first time I tried recreating this recipe at home. It felt like time stopped for a few seconds while the oil heated up, and frying the chicken filled the kitchen with an awesome smell.
It’s simple, nostalgic, and made with everyday pantry ingredients, yet it delivers big on flavor. Talking about the ingredients, all you need is some chicken breasts, seasoning, buttermilk, and flour.
I mean, all of these ingredients are so basic, yet it turns out to be a super indulgent recipe. Just note that the recipe should not be rushed through cooking, but should instead be enjoyed while hot and remembered as a meal for sharing with family.
So, hurry up and grab your ingredients, heat the oil, and make this Crispy Sunday Homestyle Chicken tonight.
Equipment Required
- Wire Rack: Use a wire rack for draining fried chicken.
- Deep Fryer: I use a deep fryer to cook the chicken.
- Cooking Thermometer: I would suggest using a thermometer to check the oil temperature at 350°F.
- Mixing Bowls: I use mixing bowls to make a flour-and-buttermilk mixture separately.
- Meat Pounder: Use a meat pounder to even out the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Wax Paper: A wax paper would be perfect for pounding the chicken.
- Paper Towels: I use paper towels for drying chicken.
- Tongs: You can use tongs to turn and remove chicken.
- Wire Rack: Use a wire rack for draining fried chicken

Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients in this recipe can serve up to four people. You can increase or decrease the quantities for more or fewer servings.
- Frying Oil: You can use any frying oil available in the kitchen.
- 2 Cups All-purpose Flour: To enjoy a healthy version, use a blend of Gluten-Free flour.
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Cup Buttermilk: You can substitute ¾ cup yogurt plus ¼ cup water instead.
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: If you want, you can use chicken thighs or tenders instead of chicken breasts.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 40 Minutes |
Steps To Make Cracker Barrel Homestyle Chicken

Step 1
Season the flour with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 2
Pour half a cup of buttermilk and half a cup of water into the bowl.

Step 3
Now season the chicken breast with salt and black pepper.

Step 4
Dredge the chicken breast in the buttermilk slurry, then in the dry rub.

Step 5
Deep-fry the chicken pieces in hot oil, turning them to ensure both sides are crispy and golden-brown.

Step 6
Cook each chicken piece for 7 to 8 minutes in the oil. Rest the chicken on the wire rack.

Step 7
When the chicken is ready, serve it with your favorite dipping sauce and corn on the side to enjoy restaurant-style flavors at home.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Before cooking, pat the chicken dry, then add the seasoning.
- I prefer the double-dredge method: coat with flour, then with buttermilk, then with another layer of flour.
- When cooking the chicken in the oil, keep the temperature at 350°F (175°C).
- Make sure to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before eating.
FAQs About Cracker Barrel Homestyle Chicken Recipe
Nutritional Information Per Serving
A serving of Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken Recipe has around 503 calories. This recipe can fulfill all your meaty cravings, but the protein content is not that much. However, make sure to consume the recipe in moderation only.
| Calories | 525 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Protein | 56 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 151 mg |
| Sodium | 1491 mg |
| Potassium | 998 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 172 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
| Calcium | 96 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
The best part of the recipe is that it can be tweaked as per your dietary needs. So, enjoy the recipe without any guilt.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Gluten Free: I make the recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
- Keto-friendly: To make it keto-friendly, I use unsweetened almond milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice. Moreover, I prefer using plant-based butter.
- Low Carb Version: Replace flour with almond flour and crushed pork rinds. Also, skip the second dredge for a lighter coating.
Storing This Recipe
- Refrigeration: I store the cooked chicken in an airtight container once it has cooled, then place it in the refrigerator. The chicken can be stored for 3 to 4 days this way.
- Freezing: I won’t suggest freezing the chicken. However, you can do the same by placing the chicken in a freezer-safe container.
What To Serve With This Recipe
The best thing to serve with the Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken Recipe is the Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Moreover, the Green Beans Copycat Recipe would be a great pairing.
As the holidays approach, try pairing it with some Mac and Cheese, or enjoy it with a bowl of Summer Corn Salad or Chicken Broccoli Salad.
Printable Version
Cracker Barrel Homestyle Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- ½ cup Water
- Oil (for frying)
Equipment
- Bowl
- Deep Fryer
- Spoon
- Kitchen Towel
- Kitchen Tongs
Instructions
- Season the flour with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Pour half a cup of buttermilk and half a cup of water into the bowl.
- Now season the chicken breast with salt and black pepper
- Dredge the chicken breast into the buttermilk slurry and then in the dry rub.
- Deep-fry the chicken pieces in hot oil, turning them to ensure both sides are crispy and golden-brown.Â
- Cook each chicken piece for 7 to 8 minutes in the oil. Rest the chicken on the wire rack.
- When the chicken is ready, serve with your favorite dipping sauce and corn on the side to enjoy restaurant-style flavors at home.
Video
Notes
- Before cooking, pat the chicken dry, then add the seasoning.Â
- I prefer the double-dredge method: coat with flour, then with buttermilk, then with another layer of flour.Â
- When cooking the chicken in the oil, keep the temperature at 350°F (175°C).
- Make sure to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.Â
- Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before eating.Â
Nutrition
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Conclusion
This Crispy Cracker Barrel Sunday Homestyle Chicken Recipe will give you a nostalgic Southern-style dish that is crispy on the outside yet juicy and tender on the inside, plus it’s so fulfilling!
You won’t believe how quick it cooks and how easy it is to make using a few basic pantry ingredients and an easy technique such as double-dredging! This recipe is great for weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals. So, make sure to give it a try and let me know in the comments.







