These copycat Cracker Barrel grilled chicken tenders are just as good as the real thing, maybe even better! The secret is in the Italian dressing, honey, and lime marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and tender while adding flavor. Cracker Barrel's tasty marinated chicken tenderloins are an easy way to feed the whole family, and they are always a hit with kids and adults alike!
See all my Cracker Barrel copycat recipes here.
If you've been to Cracker Barrel then you've likely tried, or at least heard of, their incredible grilled chicken tenders! I've decided to try making a copycat version at home, and it's surprisingly simple: the secret is all in the marinade.
Cracker Barrel is known for its Southern down-home cooking; you can taste it in these tenders. Plus, the leftovers are amazing for making salads or wraps!
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🥘 Ingredients
You very well may have all of these ingredients in your fridge. Who knew just 4 simple ingredients could make something so delicious?
- Italian Dressing - ½ cup (*see note).
- Honey - 1 ½ teaspoons.
- Lime Juice - 1 teaspoon.
- Chicken Tenders - 1 pound
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts & instructions!*
🔪 How To Make Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
The longer you marinate your chicken, the better! For this recipe, you'll need a grill pan (or frying pan), a mixing bowl, a whisk, and some plastic wrap.
- Make the marinade. Add a ½ cup of Italian dressing, 1 ½ teaspoons of honey, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice to a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Marinate the chicken. Add 1 pound of chicken tenderloins to the marinade and stir to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.
- Remove from fridge. 15 minutes prior to cooking, remove the chicken tenders from the fridge so that they can warm slightly before cooking.
- Cook. Heat a pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken tenderloins on the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until done (they should be lightly golden, but not dry, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
- Serve. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
You can serve these chicken tenders with any of your favorite sides. If you want to mimic the Cracker Barrel experience as much as possible, try some of their classics, like meatloaf or fried apples! Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- Versatility with Chicken Cuts: You can use any cut of chicken for this recipe. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Dressing for Marinade: For an authentic Cracker Barrel taste, it's suggested to use T. Marzetti's Creamy Italian dressing. However, any Italian dressing, including zesty varieties, will work well.
- Enhancing Flavor with Balsamic Vinegar: Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the marinade can elevate the flavor of the tenders. This isn't part of the original Cracker Barrel recipe but is a tasty variation.
- Cooking Method - Grill Pan: Using a grill pan is recommended due to the small size of the tenderloins. It makes handling and cooking easier.
- Using an Outdoor Grill: If you prefer using an outdoor grill, cook the chicken tenders over indirect heat to prevent them from drying out. Typically, 10-12 minutes on the grill (5-6 minutes per side) should suffice.
- Baking Option: As an alternative to grilling, you can bake the chicken tenders. Bake them in an oven preheated to 400°F (205°C) for about 15 minutes.
🥡 Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Cracker Barrel grilled chicken in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3-4 days.
To reheat, wrap the chicken in foil with a splash of stock or water. Heat in an oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes.
😋 More Copycat Recipes
- Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Benihana Onion Soup
- Panda Express Fried Rice
- PF Chang's Mongolian Beef
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📖 Recipe Card
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 1 ½ teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Add the ½ cup Italian dressing, 1 ½ teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon lime juice to a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add your 1 lb chicken tenderloins to the marinade and stir to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour up to 8 hours.
- 15 minutes prior to cooking, remove the tenders from the fridge so they can warm up slightly.
- Grill: Heat a pan or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken tenderloins on the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until done (they should be lightly golden, but not dry, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Any cut of chicken can be used, just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
- It's rumored that Cracker Barrel specifically uses T. Marzetti's Creamy Italian dressing if you want the closest copycat recipe, however, any Italian dressing will work (even zesty)!
- I think adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the marinade makes these tenders extra tasty! Though it is not technically part of the Cracker Barrel recipe.
- A grill pan is easiest because the tenderloins are so small. If you prefer an actual grill, be sure to cook them over indirect heat so they do not dry out. Roughly 10-12 minutes on the grill (5-6 minutes per side) should do it.
- Alternatively, you may bake your tenders at 400°F (205°C) for 15 minutes.
Margaret says
Made these chicken tenders last night, just fantastic. So nice to find Cracker Barrel recipes I can make at home. Thank you!