The Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Menu is a journey into Southern cooking. It captures the essence of Cracker Barrel’s traditional dishes. The menu features dishes with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. These bring a taste of Southern comfort to diners everywhere.
Cracker Barrel has over 650 locations nationwide. They make fried chicken that really stands out. Their Southern Fried Chicken has 850 calories, 45g of protein, 55g of fat, and 45g of carbohydrates. It’s a big, satisfying meal. The chicken is hand-breaded and specially fried. This gives it a texture and flavor that many say is the best they’ve ever had.
Looking for a healthier option? The menu has Grilled Chicken Tenderloins too. These are lower in calories and fat but still high in protein. The menu also has seasonal specials. These bring new flavors perfect for holidays or summer meals. So, there’s always something exciting to try at Cracker Barrel.
Introduction to Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken
Cracker Barrel fried chicken is a key part of American food, known for its true Southern cooking style. The chicken’s crispy coating and tender meat inside make it a top choice for Southern comfort food lovers.
The Essence of Southern Comfort Food
Southern cuisine is all about rich flavors and filling ingredients. Cracker Barrel’s fried chicken is a prime example of this. They use fresh, top-notch ingredients and special cooking methods to bring the coziness of Southern food to your table. Their menu has four new dishes that are deep in Southern taste, making sure you get a real Southern food experience with every bite.
What Sets Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Apart?
Cracker Barrel’s fried chicken is unique in many ways. For example, the Crispy Tender Dippers are a modern twist on chicken tenders, served with Nashville hot sauce. This celebrates 55 years of tradition. The Signature Saucy Chicken Sandwich has a hand-breaded chicken breast on a buttermilk bun, showing off their flair for new flavors. And these special dishes start at just $8.99.
Cracker Barrel also makes sure their delicious Southern dishes are budget-friendly. Their early dinner deals run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. They offer smaller portions of favorites like Chicken n’ Dumplins and Fried Homestyle Chicken at lower prices. Thanks to their balance of traditional Southern food with innovative dishes, Cracker Barrel remains a top choice for dining in America.
A Brief History of Cracker Barrel
The Cracker Barrel story started on September 19, 1969. Dan Evins opened the first spot in Lebanon, Tennessee. This place was both a restaurant and a country store, serving travelers with a warm welcome.
By 1977, Cracker Barrel grew to more than 13 spots. And by 1987, there were more than 50 locations in eight states. At that time, sales were nearly $81 million. After going public in 1981, the company’s growth soared. It saw a 20% growth in revenue each year. By 1992, Cracker Barrel’s worth hit over $1 billion.
Jump to 2024, and Cracker Barrel has 658 locations in 45 states. The revenue? It’s a whopping $3.47 billion now. The company gives jobs to about 77,600 people. Each place has its cozy wood-burning fireplace. Also, there are about 1,000 real artifacts to see at each location.
Cracker Barrel has always focused on quality. They make sure that 90% of the food comes from the U.S. Every Cracker Barrel mixes dining with shopping in a special way. It keeps the spirit of its early days alive.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1969 | First Cracker Barrel opened in Lebanon, Tennessee. |
| 1977 | Expanded to over 13 locations. |
| 1987 | Operated over 50 units across eight states. |
| 1992 | Market value exceeded $1 billion. |
| 2024 | Operates 658 locations with annual revenue of $3.47 billion. |
Signature Fried Chicken Dishes
Cracker Barrel is well-known for its hearty Southern cuisine. Its fried chicken dishes are central to this comfort food tradition. The restaurant offers meals that are both delightful and remind you of home.
Classic Fried Chicken
The classic fried chicken at Cracker Barrel stands out. It is seasoned with a special mix of herbs and spices. At $11.99, it comes with sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.
This dish is both crispy on the outside and juicy inside. It’s a favorite for both regulars and first-time visitors.
Southern Fried Chicken Tenders
Cracker Barrel’s Southern fried chicken tenders are especially crunchy. They’re hand-breaded and have a great mix of texture and flavor. You can pick from various dipping sauces like Honey Mustard or Nashville Hot sauce.
With 850 calories per serving, these tenders are both filling and tasty. From the classic fried chicken to these tenders, Cracker Barrel focuses on top-notch and traditional meals. With 660 locations in 44 states, Cracker Barrel is a go-to for Southern food fans.
Ingredients and Preparation Methods
Cracker Barrel is famous for its fresh ingredients and special cooking ways. These make their fried chicken stand out. Their cooking methods show a deep love for Southern cooking traditions.
Fresh, Quality Ingredients
Quality ingredients are key for Cracker Barrel’s fried chicken. They only use fresh, not frozen chicken. This is essential for that tender and juicy taste. The chicken soaks in 3 cups of buttermilk, getting full of rich flavors. Then, it’s all about the right breading. They mix 3 cups of flour with salt and pepper for the perfect coating. These simple ingredients create Cracker Barrel’s special taste.
Unique Cooking Techniques
What really makes Cracker Barrel’s chicken different are their cooking methods. They start by soaking the chicken in buttermilk. This makes it tender and tasty. Then, they coat the chicken in seasoned flour and let it sit. This wait-time is crucial for forming the perfect crust during frying.
Frying is an art at Cracker Barrel. They heat oil to 350°F and keep it the right depth. Each chicken piece cooks at 350°F for a specific time. For instance, chicken strips fry for 6-7 minutes. Breasts and thighs take 15-18 minutes, while dark meat cooks for 12-13 minutes. They always make sure the chicken reaches 165°F inside. This makes it safe to eat and perfectly cooked. Their methods bring out a crispy crust and juicy inside.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 1.5 pounds (680g) |
| Buttermilk | 3 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Salt | 3 teaspoons |
| Ground black pepper | 3 teaspoons |
| Oil (frying) | 2-3 inches depth |
| Internal cooking temperature | 165°F |
The Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Menu
Cracker Barrel delights fans of Southern comfort food with its vast fried chicken menu. It offers the real taste of home-cooked meals, featuring a selection of dishes that keep patrons coming back for more.
Must-Try Dish Highlights
Two dishes stand out on the Cracker Barrel fried chicken menu for their taste and quality. The Classic Fried Chicken is crispy on the outside and tender inside. It has a big fan base thanks to its authentic flavor. The Southern Fried Chicken Tenders are another hit. They’re favored for their great seasoning and juicy meat.
Customer Favorites
Some dishes are especially popular, as seen in many customer reviews. The Prepared Fried Chicken Samplin’ Platter and the Tenders Trio Platter stand out. They are perfect for feeding up to ten guests, making them ideal for big gatherings. New items like the Bee Sting Chicken Tenders at $12.99 and the Bee Sting Chicken Sandwich at $11.99 also get positive remarks.
| Must-Try Dishes | Starting Price | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Fried Chicken | $10.99 | Praised for its authentic homemade taste. |
| Southern Fried Chicken Tenders | $9.99 | Known for robust seasoning and succulent texture. |
| Bee Sting Chicken Tenders | $12.99 | New addition with a spicy kick, popular among enthusiasts. |
| Bee Sting Chicken Sandwich | $11.99 | Another new favorite with a blend of sweet and spicy flavors. |
The Cracker Barrel fried chicken menu’s variety pleases many across the country. With nearly 660 locations in 44 states, it’s easy for lots of people to find a Cracker Barrel to enjoy these beloved dishes.
Complementary Side Dishes
Cracker Barrel has a wide variety of side dishes. They go great with their main meals. This makes the dining experience better.
They offer something for everyone. You can choose from traditional sides or lighter options.
Homestyle Sides
Cracker Barrel’s sides add comfort to each meal. Favorites include:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Seasoned Fries
These sides bring back memories of family meals. They warm your heart and taste great.
Delicious Gravies and Sauces
Cracker Barrel also has a wide selection of gravies and sauces. They make their dishes stand out. Favorites include:
- Country Gravy
- Spicy Hot Sauce
These gravies and sauces add amazing flavors to the main dishes. They offer a rich taste alongside the sides.
Here’s a comparison of the sodium content in some popular meals:
| Meal | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|
| New York Strip Steak N’ Eggs | 5,050 |
| Country Boy Breakfast | 5,895 |
| Chicken Fried Chicken with Sawmill Gravy | 2,910 |
| Southern Fried Chicken Meal | 4,730 |
| New York Strip Steak Meal | 4,900 |
| Country Fried Pickles | 3,440 |
It’s key to watch the sodium when enjoying these dishes. Especially with extra sides and gravies. Being mindful can balance indulgence and health.
Meal Combos and Specials
Cracker Barrel has lots of meal combos and dinner deals for one or the whole family. They aim to give good value with popular dishes and new seasonal specials.
Let’s look at the various Cracker Barrel meal combos:
| Combo | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Early Dinner Deals | Available Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm | $8.99 |
| Chicken n’ Dumplins | Family favorite comfort food | $8.99 |
| Meatloaf | Hearty and flavorful, served with two sides | $8.99 |
| U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish | Freshly prepared, served with hushpuppies | $8.99 |
| Homestyle Chicken | Juicy and tender fried chicken | $8.99 |
| $5 Take Home Meals | Available with any regular-priced entrée | $5.00 |
| Pick 2 Country Combos | Available Monday to Friday | $8.29 |
| Broccoli Cheddar Chicken | Wednesday special | $9.49 |
| Turkey n’ Dressing | Thursday special | $9.49 |
| Fish Fry | Friday favorite | $14.99 |
| Country Coastal Seafood Sampler | Includes shrimp, fish fillets, and more | $13.99 |
Having a meal alone or with family? Cracker Barrel’s meal deals give you great food at a great price. They also have new, seasonal specials.
You’ll find everything from Chicken n’ Dumplins to the Signature Saucy Chicken Sandwich. With every regular-priced entrée, don’t miss the $5 Take Home Meals. They’re great for an easy dinner.
For bigger groups, try Cracker Barrel’s Family Meal Baskets. They start at about $30 and serve 3-5 people. You can get a 12-piece Southern Fried Chicken Meal for $45.49 or 6 Sunday Homestyle Chicken breasts for $46.49.
The variety and quality of Cracker Barrel’s meals show why many people love dining there. They offer good food at affordable prices.
Seasonal specials and dinner deals are great ways to enjoy Cracker Barrel’s warmth without overspending. These combos and specials are perfect for any day, whether you dine in or take out.
The Dining Experience at Cracker Barrel
The Cracker Barrel dining experience is known for its cozy atmosphere and outstanding service. Each location makes sure customers feel at home right when they enter. They blend comfort with hospitality perfectly.
Rustic Ambiance
Cracker Barrel’s rustic feel is a key part of its identity. It has a country theme that feels warm and inviting. The décor includes vintage signs and antique tools.
Rocking chairs add to the nostalgia, making you think of classic American homes. This special setting turns every visit into a charming break from daily routine.
Friendly Service
The staff’s friendliness is central to the Cracker Barrel experience. They’re not just nice—they make you feel like family. This warmth is part of every meal, from breakfast to dinner.
The team’s attentiveness adds to the meal, making sure every visit is happy. This makes the dining experience memorable.
Conclusion
The Cracker Barrel review celebrates its focus on Southern dining, offering wide choices at good prices. Their menu ranges from a $11.99 Southern Fried Chicken Dinner to $19.99 Family Meal Deals. These options are perfect for anyone eating alone or with a big group wanting tasty meals without spending too much.
The choices at Cracker Barrel impress everyone. You’ll find anything from a $8.99 Chicken Tenders Meal to a $13.99 Homestyle Chicken Dinner. When you compare Cracker Barrel to places like KFC and Bojangles, it stands out for its great value. The cozy decoration and warm staff make every visit memorable for anyone craving real Southern food.
Cracker Barrel puts a lot of care into its food and customer happiness. With meals like the $14.94 Southern Fried Chicken or the $57.99 Family Meal, eating there is always a joy. Thanks to its delicious meals and commitment to classic cooking, Cracker Barrel is loved all over the U.S.
FAQ
What are the highlights of the Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Menu?
The menu features delicious Southern comfort food. It includes classic fried chicken and Southern fried chicken tenders. You’ll find other homestyle favorites too.
What makes Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken so special?
It’s all about Southern comfort. Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken uses fresh ingredients and unique cooking methods. This makes it stand out from other places.
Where did Cracker Barrel originate?
Cracker Barrel started in Lebanon, Tennessee, by Dan Evins. It’s known for its rich history. The chain aims to provide a homestyle dining experience.
What signature fried chicken dishes are offered at Cracker Barrel?
Their signature dishes include classic fried chicken. They also have Southern fried chicken tenders. These are customer favorites.
What ingredients and preparation methods are used for Cracker Barrel fried chicken?
They use fresh, quality ingredients. Unique cooking techniques are employed. This ensures an authentic Southern dining experience.
What are some must-try dishes on the Cracker Barrel fried chicken menu?
You must try the classic fried chicken and Southern fried chicken tenders. They are popular among customers.
What side dishes complement the Cracker Barrel fried chicken?
There’s a variety of homestyle sides. Mashed potatoes, green beans, and delicious gravies and sauces are included. They complement the fried chicken perfectly.
Are there any meal combos or specials at Cracker Barrel?
Yes, there are meal combos, dinner deals, and seasonal specials. This offers customers a variety of great options at great prices.
What can customers expect from the dining experience at Cracker Barrel?
Customers will find a rustic ambiance and friendly service. This makes dining at Cracker Barrel welcoming and enjoyable.