There’s no doubt that Cracker Barrel’s food tastes fantastic. However, one item that stands out on their menu is their chicken tenders for many reasons.
If you wish to make these delicious tenders at home, then I am here yo tell you how you can make the exact same Cracker Barrel style chicken tenders at home.
I personally love these tenders as they are soft and juicy with a delicious flavor that appeals to all.
Another thing I love about this Cracker Barrel recipe is the fact that it’s effortless to prepare. All I need to do is marinate the chicken in three ingredients and cook it in a non-stick pan.
Equipments Required
- Bowl – You will need a small bowl for this recipe to make the marinade mixture.
- Saucepan – A large non-stick pan is required to cook the chicken.
- Spatula – To cook the chicken properly on both sides, you will need a large spatula to flip it.
- Kitchen Tongs – If you don’t have a spatula, you can use kitchen tongs to flip the chicken pieces safely in the pan.
- Whisk – A whisk helps you make the marinade mixture for this recipe.
- Cling Film – You will also need a cling film to wrap the seasoned chicken and let it marinate for a few hours.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: This recipe will help you make three servings. To make more, you can quickly increase the quantity of ingredients.
- ½ Cup Italian Dressing – It is readily available at any grocery store or supermarket.
- 1 ½ Teaspoon Honey – You can also use maple syrup instead of honey.
- 1 Teaspoon Lime juice – You can use fresh or unsweetened bottled lime juice for this purpose. Moreover, you can also use apple cider vinegar if its taste appeals to you.
- 1 Lb Chicken Tenderloins – It’s best to use fresh chicken tenderloins to prepare this dish, as they will be used for a juicier dish. Other than them, you can use chicken breasts and cut them into strips.
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking time | Marinating Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Minutes | 8 Minutes | 1 Hour | 1 Hour 13 Minutes |
How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders At Home
Step 1
Wash the chicken properly and place it in a bowl and pour the Italian dressing onto the chicken.
Step 2
Next, add lemon juice and honey to the chicken.
Step 3
Cover the bowl with cling wrap and allow it to marinate for an hour in the refrigerator for an hour.
Step 4
Place a non-stick frying pan on the stove or induction and add the marinated chicken tenderloins.
Step 5
Allow the chicken to cook on one side and flip over to cook on the other.
Step 6
Your Cracker Barrel-style chicken tenders are ready to eat.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- While marinating, I observed that leaving the chicken in lime juice for over 2 hours changes its texture. Therefore, I suggest you cook the chicken within this time frame.
- I always use a meat thermometer to ensure the tenders are cooked properly. It prevents them from getting overcooked.
- Allow the chicken tenders to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before searing.
- Before adding the chicken to the pan, briefly sauté a clove of crushed garlic in the oil. This will enhance the flavors.
FAQs About Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Nutritional Information Per Serving
I love to make Cracker Barrel chicken tenders because they make it for a nutritious meal. By looking at the nutritional information, we can see that they are low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates.
| Nutrients | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 277 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 97 mg |
| Sodium | 564 mg |
| Potassium | 596 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Vitamin A | 60 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 13 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
The best part about making these Cracker Barrel chicken tenders recipe is that it suits keto, gluten-free, paleo, and low-carb diets. However, it’s not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Refrigerator – You can easily refrigerate these chicken tenders for up to three days. Allow them to come to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container.
- Freezer – You can also freeze these tenders for up to 3 months to enjoy them for longer. However, to prevent them from getting nasty freezer burns, I always place them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic.
Reheating
- Microwave – Place the desired pieces of tenders in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with a lid. Heat them on a medium-high heat setting for about a minute or two.
- Pan – Simply sprinkle some water over the tenders and cover the pan with a lid. This way, your tenders will not dry and will heat adequately. Flip over the tender after 3-4 minutes to ensure proper heating.
What To Serve With This Recipe
As I said, the Cracker Barrel chicken tender’s recipe is my favorite. I recommend serving these tenders with a salad of your choice, Green Beans, Roasted Veggies, or Mashed Potatoes.
For a more filling meal, you can also pair these tenders with Mac and Cheese, Spaghetti Bolognese, or any pasta of your choice. I have personally tried all these pairings, and I can tell you that they have all made my meals more fun and delicious.
Printable Version
Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Tenderloins
- ½ cup Italian Dressing
- 1 ½ teaspoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Lime Juice
Equipment
- Bowl
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Kitchen Tongs
- Whisk
- Cling film
Instructions
- Wash the chicken properly and place it in a bowl and pour the Italian dressing onto the chicken.
- Next, add lemon juice and honey to the chicken.
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap and allow it to marinate for an hour in the refrigerator for an hour.
- Place a non-stick frying pan on the stove or induction and add the marinated chicken tenderloins.
- Allow the chicken to cook on one side and flip over to cook on the other.
- Your Cracker Barrel-style chicken tenders are ready to eat.
Notes
- While marinating, I observed that leaving the chicken in lime juice for over 2 hours changes its texture. Therefore, I suggest you cook the chicken within this time frame.Â
- I always use a meat thermometer to ensure the tenders are cooked properly. It prevents them from getting overcooked.Â
- Allow the chicken tenders to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before searing.
- Before adding the chicken to the pan, briefly sauté a clove of crushed garlic in the oil. This will enhance the flavors.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe ?Tag @thefoodxp on Instagram and Hashtag it #thefoodxp!More Cracker Barrel Recipes You Can Try
Conclusion
If you’ve tried these Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments sections below. I can assure you that you will fall in love with them after following the recipe instructions mentioned above.
To make your supper even more delicious, try out the pairings I suggested. Until then, I will bring you more such recipes to help you make spectacular meals.
Let’s Connect
Follow Us On Our Social Media Platforms
You can subscribe to TheFoodXP to get weekly recipes in your inbox.
If you make this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag us in your photos on social media. We would love to share your pictures.
