Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
Updated on May 14, 2024 by Rodney • This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. • 1 Comment • Jump to Recipe
Make Cracker Barrel’s Grilled Chicken Tenders at home with this copycat recipe. Learn the secret to recreating this popular restaurant dish
After a recent trip to Cracker Barrel, I wanted to try and replicate their Grilled Chicken Tenders recipe.
After a little research, this is the copycat recipe I came up with. I think it’s pretty close to the real thing!
When it comes to the chicken you have a couple of options. You can either use Chicken tenders, which may be called tenderloins or use chicken breasts and make your own tenderloins.
In a pinch I guess you could also use frozen chicken tenderloins but I have not tried this yet as I like to use fresh food as much as possible.
How to Handle Raw Chicken
- Leave the chicken in the fridge until ready to use.
- Be careful of dripping juices. Clean up immediately.
- Do not wash raw chicken (prevents cross-contamination).
- Wash all utensils and cutting boards.
- Wash your hands after handling raw chicken.
Cracker Barrel is a popular chain of restaurants in the United States known for its Southern-style comfort food and charming country store atmosphere.
Copycat Rating
Since the goal of a Copycat Recipe is for it to taste exactly like the original, it’s only natural to rate this recipe against the original. This Copycat recipe rates a solid 7 out of 10 in my opinion.
Serving Suggestions
When you visit Cracker and Barrel they offer many different side when you order their Grilled Chicken Tenders like:
Mashed Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, Fresh Fruit, Coleslaw and more! And don’t forget a biscuit or two!
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Grilled Chicken Tenders recipe from Cracker Barrel. For ingredient amounts please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken Tenders – If using chicken breasts use boneless & skinless
- Italian Salad Dressing – The “secret” ingredient for the marinade
- Honey – Add a little sweetness to the marinade
- Fresh Lime Juice – You can use bottled lime juice if you want
How to Make Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Place the chicken tenders in a large freezer bag. Add the rest of the ingredients to the freezer bag.
- Seal the bag removing any excess air. Squeeze the chicken through the bag to coat all the chicken tenders. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Add the chicken and liquid to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the liquid is reduced and the chicken is golden in color but not dry, turning the chicken throughout the cooking process.
- When done, the chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F.
Printable Recipe Card
Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Tenders, or cut chicken breasts
- ½ Cup Italian Salad Dressing
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 2 Tsp Fresh Lime Juice
Instructions
- Place the chicken tenders in a large freezer bag. Add the rest of the ingredients to the freezer bag.
- Seal the bag removing any excess air. Squeeze the chicken through the bag to coat all the chicken tenders. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Add the chicken and liquid to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the liquid is reduced and the chicken is golden in colour but not dry, turning the chicken throughout the cooking process.
- When done, the chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
The best thing about these chicken tenders is the fantastic taste. They were so easy to make and very flavourful.