Cracker Barrel-Style Honey Garlic Pan-Fried Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This delicious Cracker Barrel chicken recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that will melt your heart. Tender chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk, coated with a savory seasoned flour, and simmered in a honey-garlic broth create a perfect balance of crispy and juicy textures.

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
- Step 1: Marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. This tenderizes the meat and adds moisture.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the seasoned coating.
- Step 3: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each breast thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on each side, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
- Step 5: Pour the chicken broth and honey into the skillet with the chicken. Cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for a thicker marinade that still tenderizes well.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will add a richer flavor. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Is buttermilk necessary for marinating?
Buttermilk is recommended because it tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture, but you can substitute with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
PrintCracker Barrel-Style Honey Garlic Pan-Fried Chicken Recipe
This Delicious Cracker Barrel Chicken recipe offers tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk, coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, pan-fried to a golden brown, and then simmered in a honey and chicken broth glaze that imparts a perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness. A comforting American classic that’s easy to make and sure to melt your heart with every bite.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Cooking
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to tenderize and impart moisture.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each breast evenly in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.
- Heat the Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, ready for frying.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil, cooking each side for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Add Broth and Honey: Pour the chicken broth and honey into the skillet with the chicken, gently mixing the liquids around the pieces.
- Simmer and Cook Through: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing the chicken to simmer for 15 minutes. This will ensure the chicken is cooked through and infused with the sweet glaze.
Notes
- Serve this Cracker Barrel chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture according to your taste preferences—add a little cayenne pepper if you like some heat.
Keywords: delicious cracker barrel chicken, pan-fried chicken, honey glazed chicken, American chicken recipe

