Cracker Barrel Country Fried Pork Chops

These buttermilk Fried Pork Chops, inspired by the ones they serve at Cracker Barrel, may be the ultimate comfort food. The crunchy crust keeps the meat incredibly tender and juicy.

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What makes Cracker Barrel Fried Pork Chops so irresistible? 

For authentic down-home cooking, it’s tough to beat breaded pork chops. And when it comes to restaurants that offer homestyle cooking, Cracker Barrel is at the top of the list.

This Country Fried Pork Chops Cracker Barrel style recipe offers a flavorful crispy crust and tender, juicy meat so good, you’ll think you are in Mama’s kitchen. Serve these breaded Fried Pork Chops with your choice of the brown pan gravy below, or go with Cracker Barrel’s famous sawmill gravy.

Why you’ll love this recipe 

Times are tough, but you still deserve to eat well. Southern Fried Pork Chops are an affordable way to bring a hearty, home-cooked meal to your family without breaking the bank. With a double coating of flour, these chops turn out extra crispy and delicious!

From fridge to plate in less than 30 minutes, these pork chops make a great weekday meal!

Should you use bone-in or boneless pork chops?

Bone-in pork chops are preferable in this recipe since they offer more flavor and cost less. They also take longer to cook and are more forgiving when it comes to overcooking. However, you may need to talk to the butcher directly since most supermarkets no longer prepackage bone-in chops. 

Breaded Fried Pork Chop Ingredients

To bread the pork chops, you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Buttermilk
• Water
• Pork chops

You can use bone-in or boneless pork chops, but bone-in chops are a better option. Check out below to learn why. 

To fry the pork chop, you’ll need:

• Neutral oil 
• Breaded and rested pork chops

How to make Fried Pork Chops

To prepare the breading station and bread the pork chops:

1. In a wide, shallow container, whisk the flour, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. 
2. In a separate, wide, shallow container, whisk together the buttermilk and water. 
3. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel, and then season the pork chops well with salt and pepper on both sides. 

4. Dredge a seasoned pork chop in the flour mixture and shake off any excess. 
5. Dip the floured pork chop into the buttermilk and water and drop it back into the flour mix. Dredge in flour again and shake off any excess. 
6. Place the double-floured pork chop on a parchment paper lined baking sheet or wire rack over a lbaking sheet and repeat with the remaining pork chops. 

To fry the pork chops:

1. Pour three to four inches of oil into a deep pan or a deep fryer. If you are using a pan, attach a clip-on deep-fry thermometer to the side. 
2. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F. 
3. Add about two pork chops at a time to the hot oil. Fry for 7 to 8 minutes, using tongs to turn the pork chops over once midway through the cooking time. 
4. Remove the pork chops from the oil and drain them. 
5. Repeat with the remaining breaded pork chops. 

How to make brown gravy with the pan drippings

Brown gravy is a traditional sauce for lots of fried foods since it is economical and easy to make:

1. Drain the fat from the pan, reserving about three tablespoons.
2. Warm the fat over medium heat. 
3. Sprinkle about two tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the hot fat and stir constantly to avoid lumps. 
4. Slowly add about two cups of liquid to the pan while stirring. You can use water, milk, or stock (or a combination of all). 
5. Continuously stir until the gravy thickens up enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper. 

What to serve with Southern Fried Pork Chops

Try pairing your breaded Fried Pork Chops with one of these:

• Mashed Potatoes. You can’t get more classic than mashed potatoes! The secret to these Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes is evaporated milk and lots of butter!
• Macaroni and Cheese. Whether you prefer baked mac and cheese or the stove-top variety, both go great with country Fried Pork Chops. 
• Coleslaw. Cold and creamy, coleslaw is a nice contrast to breaded Fried Pork Chops. This version from the Brookville Hotel is super simple but still tasty!

How to store leftover country Fried Pork Chops

Before wrapping any extra pork chops individually in plastic wrap, let them cool to room temperature. Put the wrapped pork chops in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

What is the best way to preheat fried pork chops? 

To reheat the pork chops in the oven, take them out of the fridge and let them come up to room temperature. Place on a wire rack placed on a baking tray and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through.

More Cracker Barrel copycat recipes

• Chicken Fried Chicken
• Country Fried Steak
• Fried Chicken Tenders
• Grilled Chicken Tenders
• Hamburger Steak
• Meatloaf
• Mushroom Pot Roast
• Southern Fried Chicken
• Sunday Homestyle Chicken

Favorite pork chop recipes

• Mustard Pork Chops
• Pork Chop and Rice Casserole
• Shake n Bake Pork Chops
• Sour Cream Pork Chops

Check out more of my easy recipes for pork and the best copycat Cracker Barrel recipes on CopyKat!