Cracker Barrel Chicken Bacon Recipe

Cracker Barrel Chicken Bacon is a hearty, southern-style comfort dish featuring tender grilled chicken breasts topped with melted cheddar cheese and thick-cut crispy bacon. Ideally the chicken should be marinated for at least two hours in a honey-lime or buttermilk mixture to ensure the meat remains juicy and flavorful after it is seared and baked.

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Cracker Barrel Chicken Bacon Recipe Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup honey mustard (optional, for brushing)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Bacon Recipe

1. Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry until the bacon is extra crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels, but keep about one tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the pan for the chicken.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the pounded chicken breasts.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil and reserved bacon grease in the skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for about five to six minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through.
4. Brush and Top: If using, brush each chicken breast with a thin layer of honey mustard. Top each piece with two slices of the crispy bacon (you can break them in half to fit).
5. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon-topped chicken.
6. Finish and Bake: Place a lid over the skillet for two minutes to melt the cheese, or transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes to get the cheese bubbly and slightly browned.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the cheese is molten.

Recipe Tips

• Pound the Chicken: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly and at the same rate as the cheese melts, use a meat mallet to pound the breasts to a uniform thickness of about half an inch.
• Fresh Grated Cheese: Avoid using pre-shredded cheese from a bag. Pre-shredded cheese contains potato starch to prevent clumping, which also prevents it from melting into that smooth, gooey texture seen at the restaurant.
• The Bacon Grease Secret: Searing the chicken in the leftover bacon fat is the “secret” to that deep, smoky flavor that characterizes Cracker Barrel’s stovetop cooking.
• Marinade Upgrade: If you have time, soak the chicken in half a cup of buttermilk for an hour before seasoning. This tenderizes the proteins and makes for a much more succulent bite.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Chicken Bacon

Chicken bacon accompaniments are classic southern sides frequently served to balance the richness of the cheese and smoked meat. Ideally the mashed potatoes should be prepared with the skins left on and plenty of butter to provide a rustic, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.

• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Creamy mashed potatoes with sawmill gravy
• Steam-fried green beans with bacon and onion
• A warm, buttery buttermilk biscuit

How To Store Cracker Barrel Chicken Bacon

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Keep the chicken separate from any gravy to prevent the bacon from getting too soggy.
• Reheat: To keep the bacon somewhat crisp, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
• Freeze: This dish can be frozen for up to two months, though the cheese texture may change slightly. It is best to freeze the cooked chicken without the cheese and bacon, then add those fresh when reheating.

Cracker Barrel Chicken Bacon Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 480 kcal (per serving)
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 4 servings.

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