Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

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Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders: A Home-Style Favorite

If you’ve visited Cracker Barrel, you know their grilled chicken tenders are a customer favorite. These savory and slightly sweet chicken strips are both comforting and wholesome, making them perfect for family meals, easy weeknight dinners, and weekend gatherings. With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can recreate this much-loved dish and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving home.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, share pro tips, and explore variations and serving ideas. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will become your go-to for delicious, tender chicken every time.

What Makes Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Special?

Cracker Barrel’s signature chicken tenders achieve their unique flavor with a simple marinade. The combination of Italian dressing, honey, and fresh lime juice provides a balance of sweet, tangy, and herby notes. Unlike classic fried chicken tenders, this version is grilled or pan-seared, resulting in juicy, golden strips with a slightly charred edge that pairs well with almost any side dish.

The appeal lies in both taste and convenience:
– Uses only four main ingredients.
– Ready in under an hour from marinade to table.
– Healthy alternative to fried tenders.
– Naturally gluten-free and adaptable to many diets.

Ingredients and Substitutions

The recipe calls for minimal ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building flavor and moisture.

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Tenders (1 pound): True tenders are most similar to the “hanging tenderloin,” a delicate strip found beneath the breast. If unavailable, you can slice chicken breasts into strips of similar size.
• Italian Dressing (1/2 cup): Look for a dressing with visible herbs and a tangy aroma. Homemade or store-bought both work. Zesty Italian adds a more pronounced herbal profile.
• Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds mild sweetness and helps to caramelize the exterior. Pure honey gives the cleanest flavor.
• Fresh Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the marinade and balances the sweetness.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Optional, especially if your dressing is already seasoned.

Optional Additions

• Garlic Powder: Offers subtle depth.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings gentle heat and smoky flavor.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Parsley, dill, or thyme for garnish.

Tip: For a bolder flavor, try balsamic vinaigrette in place of Italian dressing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Perfect chicken tenders rely on a well-balanced marinade and proper grilling technique. Here’s how to make them at home:

1. Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.

Example:

• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Optional: Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra flavor.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken tenders to the bowl. Toss until the tenders are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours. Marinating longer than 3 hours is not recommended, as the citrus can soften the chicken excessively.

3. Preheat and Cook

Grilling Method:

• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
• Lightly oil the grates or pan.
• Lay chicken tenders across the hot surface, leaving a little space between each piece.
• Cook uncovered for 3–4 minutes per side, turning halfway. For best results, avoid moving them too often; this helps them develop a golden crust.
• Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Stovetop Method:

• Heat a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
• Add the tenders in a single layer.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and tender.
• Option: Once browned, pour in remaining marinade and simmer until glazed and thickened.

4. Rest and Serve

Transfer the grilled tenders to a serving plate. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or a light squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each tender space to brown without steaming.
• Consistent Size: Cut tenders evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures safe cooking without drying out the chicken.
• Double the Marinade (for Dipping): Make extra marinade, reserve a portion before adding raw chicken, and use for basting or dipping.

Chicken Tenders vs. Chicken Breast: What’s the Difference?

Chicken tenders and chicken breast come from the same general area of the bird, but there are some key differences:
– Tenders are smaller, more tender strips that sit just under the breast. They cook quickly and stay juicy.
– Breast is thicker and requires slightly longer to cook. For this recipe, slicing breast into strips replicates the tenderloin experience, but true tenders yield the best result.

Side Dishes to Serve with Grilled Chicken Tenders

Classic Southern meals are all about balance. Grilled chicken tenders pair beautifully with hearty and fresh sides. Here are some favorites:

Starchy Sides

• Mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes
• Steamed white rice or wild rice blend
• Buttered corn or homestyle biscuits

Fresh Sides

• Garden salad with cucumbers and grape tomatoes
• Roasted seasonal vegetables (broccoli, carrots, green beans)
• Tangy coleslaw or cucumber salad

Dipping Sauces

• Classic barbecue sauce
• Honey mustard
• Homemade ranch
• Hummus for a lighter twist

Try serving tenders as a main protein atop a big salad, tucked in wraps, or stuffed in pita bread with crisp vegetables.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

• Storage: Cool chicken tenders, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat, or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid drying out.
• Repurposing: Dice and use in tacos, burritos, sandwiches, salads, or lettuce wraps.

For meal prep, make a double batch. Cooked tenders hold up well in lunchboxes or quick dinners throughout the week.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

How can I prevent dry chicken?

Chicken tenders are thin and cook quickly. Avoid overcooking, and always use a meat thermometer for best results.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice offers brighter flavor, but bottled works if that’s what you have.

Can these be made ahead?

The tenders can marinate up to 3 hours in advance. Cooked tenders reheat well and are ideal for meal prep.

Can I freeze marinated chicken?

Yes. Place tenders in marinade and freeze in a resealable bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as directed.

Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe (Table Summary)

Marinate: 1-3 hours
Cook: 8-10 minutes
Serves: 4

You don’t need a road trip or a restaurant reservation to enjoy Cracker Barrel’s famous grilled chicken tenders. With this simple, flavorful recipe, you can bring home-style comfort straight to your kitchen. The balance of sweet and tangy marinade ensures chicken that’s moist, golden, and delicious in every bite.

Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, packing them for lunch, or using leftovers in creative meals, these grilled chicken tenders always deliver. Give them a try, and discover how easy great family dinners can be.