Cracker Barrel adds a new homestyle fried chicken dish is better than grandma’s

This spring, enjoy Cracker Barrel's new Cheesy Bacon Homestyle Chicken topped with cheese, bacon, onion strings & Buttermilk Ranch. Served with two sides & Buttermilk Biscuits or Corn Muffins., photo provided by Cracker Barrel
This spring, enjoy Cracker Barrel's new Cheesy Bacon Homestyle Chicken topped with cheese, bacon, onion strings & Buttermilk Ranch. Served with two sides & Buttermilk Biscuits or Corn Muffins., photo provided by Cracker Barrel /
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While Cracker Barrel has always delivered a taste of favorite comfort food, the popular restaurant brand appreciates that menu innovation needs to be part of the story. Although grandma might not change her iconic recipe, the “Old Country Store” understands that new menu items can entice guests to make a special visit. The new homestyle fried chicken dish has everyone hoping that this spring menu addition could become a permanent fixture.

For some people, fried chicken is their love language. From the juicy, tender protein to the perfectly crunchy coating, the combination of flavor and texture can make some people giddy. While cooks can tout their preferred methods and cooking techniques, the reality is that some people just make a better product.

When a taste of home is too far of a drive, Cracker Barrel has become that go-to option for many diners. Whether it is breakfast served all day or the promise of warm biscuits with that meal, some people see those rocking chairs and divert their plans to make a stop.

Coupled with the familiar, Cracker Barrel appreciates that the restaurants need to offer affordable value to their guests. As food costs and other economic factors continue to impact people’s budgets, eating out may become more of a splurge instead of a more common occurrence.

According to Cracker Barrel Vice President of Culinary Innovation Thomas Yun, “At Cracker Barrel, our guests rely on us to deliver a consistent experience and craveable, homestyle food with generous portions offered at a fair price. This spring we’re offering the same reliable, value-forward options guests love, including a variety of meals under $12, plus some flavorful twists on traditional classics, like our new Cheesy Bacon Homestyle Fried Chicken or Loaded Steak Fries. Whether opting for a traditional classic or new favorite, there are plenty of items on Cracker Barrel’s menu to share the care with everyone around the table this season.”

Cracker Barrel new homestyle fried chicken
This spring, enjoy Cracker Barrel’s new Cheesy Bacon Homestyle Chicken topped with cheese, bacon, onion strings & Buttermilk Ranch. Served with two sides & Buttermilk Biscuits or Corn Muffins., photo provided by Cracker Barrel /

What is the new Cracker Barrel homestyle fried chicken menu item?

Launched for the spring, the new Cheesy Bacon Homestyle Fried Chicken is a twist on that traditional signature Sunday Homestyle chicken. The crispy chicken is topped with “cheese, bacon, crispy onion strings and a drizzle of buttermilk ranch.”

Thinking about this new menu item, it is quite rich but does not lose one of the components that makes fried chicken great, the crunch. Although there is cheese and sauce, the additional crispy onion strings helps to keep the texture.

When thinking about this dish, it might need something bright or light to contrast the flavors. The Strawberry Lemonade is back. In addition, that sweet, tart refreshment can be spiked in a cocktail. That food and beverage pairing feels like a backyard celebration on a warm summer day.

Continuing the strawberry theme, there a mini strawberry cheesecake. The size is offers just the right amount of sweetness which still capturing the seasonal flavor. Sometimes it is permissible to indulge, especially when it is better than homemade.

These new menu items as well as the new Loaded Steak Fries are available now, for a limited time. There are a wide variety of menu items under $12 as well as traditional favorites.