• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Burnt Apple
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » copycat recipe

    4 Ingredient Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

    Published: Feb 20, 2022 · Modified: Dec 27, 2024 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Step into the famous Southern style restaurant at home with this delicious Cracker Barrel chicken tender recipe. Tangy italian, honey and lime come together to make a savory chicken meal!

    A white plate sits on a dark surface, holding three grilled cracker barrel chicken tenders. The tenders are golden brown with visible grill marks. To the left of the plate are a fork and knife. In the top left corner of the image, a yellow bowl filled with rice is visible. In the top right corner, a sprig of green rosemary sits on a blue patterned plate. In the bottom right corner, a yellow bowl filled with applesauce sits next to a blue napkin.

    Making Cracker Barrel chicken tenders

    These chicken tenders are known for their juicy texture, slightly sweet and savory flavor, and tender consistency. The secret lies in their marinade. The combination of ingredients is just perfect when combined together! You might also want to make some Cracker Barrel fried apples, macaroni and cheese, or some twice baked potatoes to go with your chicken!

    Jump to:
    • Making Cracker Barrel chicken tenders
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • 4 Ingredient Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

    Ingredients

    Cracker Barrel chicken tenders contain four ingredients including:

    • Chicken breast tenders
    • Italian dressing
    • Honey
    • Lime

    Instructions

    • In a bowl, mix together the Italian dressing, honey and lime.
    • Place the chicken in the marinade. Allow marinade to sit for 30 minutes to one hour. Cook.
    • GRILL: Grilling is the most popular method. After marinading, cook tenders on a grill on medium heat or stovetop grill on medium heat for several minutes, then flip the chicken tenders over and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink in the center and cooked thoroughly.
    • BROIL: Heat broiler to high. After marinating, arrange chicken on baking sheet. Place chicken under broiler for several minutes. Flip chicken and cook for several more minutes until chicken is cooked thoroughly and no longer pink in the center.

    Substitutions

    There are several substitutions you can make for this recipe.

    • Gluten free: This recipe is already naturally gluten free, so no substitutions would need to be made for that.
    • Vegan: Substitute vegan chicken breast tenders . You will also want to substitute agave syrup in place of the honey.
    • Dairy free: This recipe is naturally dairy free.

    Storage

    Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through.

    You can also freeze cooked chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

    FAQ

    How do I know when chicken tenders are cooked?

    The chicken tenders are fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid overcooking.

    Can I customize the recipe?

    Absolutely! Here are some ideas: Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the marinade for extra flavor. Use agave syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile. Swap lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different tang.

    Is this recipe kid-friendly?

    Yes! The mild sweetness and tender texture make these chicken tenders a hit with kids. You can adjust the flavors to suit their preferences by using less lime juice or skipping it entirely.

    A white plate sits on a dark surface, holding three grilled cracker barrel chicken tenders. The tenders are golden brown with visible grill marks. To the left of the plate are a fork and knife. In the top left corner of the image, a yellow bowl filled with rice is visible. In the top right corner, a sprig of green rosemary sits on a blue patterned plate. In the bottom right corner, a yellow bowl filled with applesauce sits next to a blue napkin.

    4 Ingredient Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

    Traci Wennerholm
    Step into the famous Southern style restaurant at home with this delicious Cracker Barrel chicken tender recipe. Tangy italian, honey and lime come together to make a savory chicken meal!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    30 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 211 kcal

    Equipment

    • grill or broiler pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound chicken tenders
    • ½ cup Italian dressing
    • 1 teaspoon lime juice
    • 2 teaspoons honey

    Instructions
     

    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice until fully combined.
    • Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they are completely coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to one hour.
    • Choose your preferred cooking method:
    • Grill: Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan to medium heat. Cook the chicken tenders for several minutes on one side, then flip and continue cooking until the tenders are thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.
    • Broil: Preheat the broiler to high. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders on a baking sheet and place under the broiler. Cook for several minutes, flip the tenders, and broil for an additional few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
    • Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

    Notes

    See notes in blog post for substitutions and storing. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 24gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 423mgPotassium: 448mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 45IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword copycat recipes, cracker barrel, cracker barrel chicken tenders, cracker barrel grilled chicken tenders, restaurant copycat recipes
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « 5 Ingredient Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
    4 Ingredient Syrnyk Ukrainian Sweet Cheese »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Madhwan Thapa

      March 15, 2022 at 12:12 am

      Brilliant Arrangement of Birthday Gifts and with exclusive Choco Cakes and Fresh Flowers my Granddads Birthday was spent with loads of happiness! Thanks giftbasketworldwide for Sending Birthday Gift Hampers to USA.
      -Shafiq, UK
      source: http://www.giftbasketworldwide.com/usa/birthday

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    traci burntapple website featuring recipes with five ingredients or less

    Hi, I'm Traci! Cooking hasn't always come easy. I'm the burnt pancake on one side and perfect on the other pancake person that serves it to you with the pretty side up. I've learned to cook and make it look easy to my family and others. I'm now helping you save time & money with easy simple recipes with five ingredients or less!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A top-down view of a single, shiny Cheddar's honey butter croissant on a round, white plate featuring black abstract floral and geometric designs. A partial croissant on a wooden board and a grey cloth napkin are visible at the edges, with white orchid flowers in the upper left corner.
      Copycat Cheddars Honey Butter Croissants
    • A mason jar filled with a Sonic-style Dirty Dr Pepper sits on a rustic white wooden surface. The drink is dark brown, filled with ice, and has visible carbonation bubbles on top. A fresh lime wedge is perched on the rim of the jar, while two additional limes, one whole and one sliced in half, rest nearby on the table. The background features a weathered wood texture, adding to the casual, homemade aesthetic.
      Copycat Sonic Dirty Dr Pepper
    • Top-down view of a white plate with a folded scrambled egg and avocado with salsa. The omelet is topped with slices of bright green avocado and a spoonful of chunky red salsa. A silver fork lies across the omelet. To the left of the plate is a folded white cloth napkin. In the upper right corner, a wooden cutting board holds half of a sliced avocado, a small pile of orange powder (possibly paprika), and a small pile of black peppercorns. A white bowl of red salsa is also on the cutting board. The scene is set on a light-colored marble countertop.
      Scrambled Eggs and Avocado with Salsa
    • A plate of folded breakfast scrambled eggs seasoned with pepper, served with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of orange powder (possibly paprika), and a side of red salsa.
      Breakfast Scrambled Eggs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Burnt Apple

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.