Authentic Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders Recipe At Home

Crispy, golden-brown cracker barrel chicken tenders have been a comfort food favorite for generations.

These delectable morsels bring restaurant-style magic right to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Every bite delivers a perfect blend of crunchy exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside.

The secret lies in a simple yet flavorful breading that elevates these chicken tenders from ordinary to extraordinary.

Home cooks can easily recreate this beloved restaurant classic using pantry staples and a few professional tricks.

The coating creates an irresistible crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Prepare to savor a crowd-pleasing dish that transforms an everyday meal into a memorable dining experience.

Everything Needed For Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

• Italian Dressing: Adds tangy, herbal notes that tenderize chicken and infuse rich flavor.
• Honey: Brings subtle sweetness and helps create golden caramelized exterior.
• Lime Juice: Provides bright acidity that helps break down chicken proteins and adds zesty brightness.

• Chicken Tenders: Select fresh, uniform-sized tenders for even cooking and tender texture.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy side that complements crispy chicken.
• Green Beans: Offers light, fresh vegetable contrast.
• Cornbread: Adds comforting southern-style accompaniment with sweet, crumbly texture.

Tools To Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

• Large bowl or zip-top bag: Perfect for mixing marinade and coating chicken tenders evenly.
• Skillet or grill pan: Essential for cooking chicken to golden brown perfection.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like dressing, honey, and lime juice.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.
• Meat thermometer (optional): Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How To Cook Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

• Whip Up the Flavor Bath

Grab a container and mix tangy Italian dressing, golden honey, and zesty lime juice. Snuggle the chicken tenders into this magical marinade, ensuring every piece gets coated. Seal and park in the refrigerator for a flavor-packed hour or up to a full day.

• Fire Up the Cooking Station

Choose your cooking adventure: stovetop or grill. For stovetop, warm a skillet to medium heat and sizzle the tenders until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. On the grill, crank up the heat to medium-high and cook with beautiful char marks, flipping once midway.

• Plate and Celebrate

Transfer those juicy, flavor-loaded tenders to a plate. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or warm cornbread. Dig in and enjoy the restaurant-quality deliciousness you’ve just created!

Tips To Keep Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders Juicy

• Perfect Crispiness Hack: Crush cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs extra fine for an ultra-crispy coating that locks in moisture and adds delightful crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken tenders up to 8 hours in advance to develop deeper, richer flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour for gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for breading to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace traditional breading with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that keeps protein high and carbohydrates low.
• Spice Level Control: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to marinade for extra kick, or keep seasoning mild for kids by using herbs like dried parsley or mild paprika.

Ways To Serve Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair these tangy chicken tenders with creamy mashed potatoes and a zesty side salad for a complete comfort meal that brings restaurant-style deliciousness right to your dinner table.
• Dipping Delight Station: Create a vibrant dipping sauce bar featuring honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, and spicy sriracha mayo to let everyone customize their tender-dipping experience and add excitement to the meal.
• Family-Style Feast: Arrange the chicken tenders on a large wooden board with scattered fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and an assortment of dipping sauces to transform a simple dinner into a fun, interactive family gathering that encourages sharing and connection.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack these cooled chicken tenders in a portable container with crisp coleslaw and some cornbread for an amazing outdoor lunch that's perfect for summer picnics, beach trips, or backyard gatherings.

Storage Help For Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each tender individually to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Revive cold tenders by warming them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This method helps restore their original crispy texture better than microwave heating.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze uncooked marinated chicken tenders for future meals. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a double batch of chicken tenders during your cooking session. Pack individual portions in lunch containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week, saving time and ensuring delicious lunches.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 375 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel chicken tenders blend Southern comfort with crispy perfection. Home cooks can easily recreate this classic restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• ½ cup (120 ml) Italian dressing
• ¼ cup (85 g) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice

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Instructions

1. Marination: Submerge chicken tenders in a vibrant blend of Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice, coating each piece thoroughly to infuse deep, zesty flavors.
2. Refrigeration: Seal the marinated chicken in an airtight container, allowing the marinade to tenderize and enhance the meat’s taste for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Heat Preparation: Prepare cooking surface – either a skillet or grill – to medium heat, creating the ideal environment for perfectly cooked chicken.
4. Cooking Technique: For stovetop method, transfer marinated tenders to the heated skillet, searing each side until a golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F, typically 4-5 minutes per side.
5. Grilling Alternative: On preheated grill grates, position tenders at a 45-degree angle, rotating midway to achieve beautiful crosshatch marks and ensure even caramelization.
6. Resting and Serving: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices, then plate alongside complementary sides like roasted vegetables, herbed rice, or fresh salad for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Notes

• Marinate Mindfully: Allow chicken to soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours to prevent the lime juice from breaking down the meat’s texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked tenders without overdrying.
• Coating Crunch Technique: Pat chicken dry before cooking to remove excess marinade, ensuring a crispy exterior that develops beautiful golden-brown caramelization during cooking.
• Dietary Adaptation: For gluten-free version, replace traditional breading with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers, maintaining the recipe’s signature crispy texture while accommodating specific dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg