Understanding the Calories in Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken
When ordering a classic fried chicken dish from Cracker Barrel, the calorie count is not a single, fixed number. It depends heavily on the specific menu item and whether you include gravy or sides. For example, the Southern Fried Chicken, a single entrée, clocks in at a hefty 1,640 calories, while the Chicken Fried Chicken is a more moderate 590 calories before adding any extras. Let's break down the nutritional facts for the most popular options.
Popular Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Options and Their Calories
- Sunday Homestyle Chicken: This classic dish features two boneless chicken breasts and contains 1,060 calories, without factoring in any sides.
- Chicken Fried Chicken (Breakfast): Served with breakfast, this dish contains 590 calories. It is often served with gravy, which would increase the total.
- Chicken Fried Chicken (Lunch/Dinner with Gravy): When served for lunch or dinner with sawmill gravy, this dish has 1,140 calories.
- Southern Fried Chicken: This is Cracker Barrel's most calorie-dense fried chicken option. A single serving delivers 1,640 calories, 100g of total fat, and a massive 4,730 mg of sodium.
- Fried Chicken Tenderloins (6 pieces): A six-piece order of these tenders, without sides or dipping sauce, contains 630 calories.
Comparing Cracker Barrel's Fried Chicken Dishes
To help visualize the difference, here is a comparison of the calorie, fat, and sodium content for various fried chicken menu items at Cracker Barrel. These values are for the entrée only and do not include sides, gravy (unless specified), or biscuits.
| Fried Chicken Dish | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Fried Chicken | 1,640 | 100 | 23 | 4,730 |
| Sunday Homestyle Chicken | 1,060 | 58 | 12 | 2,740 |
| Chicken Fried Chicken w/ Gravy | 1,140 | 60 | 14 | 2,910 |
| Fried Chicken Tenders (6) | 630 | 34 | 9 | 1,690 |
How to Manage Your Meal and Calorie Intake
While fried chicken is a classic comfort food, the high calorie and sodium content of many restaurant portions can be concerning for those watching their diet. Here are a few strategies to enjoy your meal while managing your nutritional intake:
- Split the meal: A single serving of Cracker Barrel's fried chicken can be more than enough for two people. Splitting an entrée can cut the calorie count in half.
- Skip the extras: Gravy adds a significant amount of calories and fat. Opting for a dish without gravy, or asking for it on the side, can make a difference. Gravies are often high in saturated fat and sodium as well.
- Choose lighter sides: Sides can dramatically increase your total calorie intake. Instead of options like Loaded Mashed Potatoes (310 cal) or Bacon Mac & Cheese (470 cal), choose lower-calorie options such as Steamed Broccoli (35 cal) or Country Green Beans (80 cal).
- Substitute fried for grilled: For a healthier alternative, consider one of Cracker Barrel's grilled chicken options. The Smokehouse Grilled Chicken, for instance, contains only 380 calories.
- Create your own combination: Consider ordering the smaller, fried chicken tenderloins without sauce to control portion size and calories. You can then pair them with lighter, healthier sides to create a more balanced meal.
A note on sodium
It's important to remember that calories are not the only factor in managing a healthy diet. As the data for the Southern Fried Chicken shows, the sodium content can be dangerously high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a daily intake of less than 2,300 mg of sodium for most adults. Therefore, dishes like the Southern Fried Chicken, with more than double that amount in a single serving, should be consumed sparingly.
Conclusion
The calorie content of Cracker Barrel fried chicken varies significantly by menu item, with popular options ranging from 590 to 1,640 calories for the entrée alone. While a Southern Fried Chicken meal can be an extravagant indulgence, mindful ordering can help you make a more balanced choice. By opting for lighter sides, splitting a portion, or choosing a grilled alternative, you can better manage the calorie and sodium intake. Awareness of these nutritional differences empowers you to enjoy Cracker Barrel's classic dishes responsibly while keeping your health goals in mind.
Learn More About Healthy Eating at Restaurants
For more information on making healthier choices when dining out, consult resources such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
