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!
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!
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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
The chicken tenders are fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid overcooking.
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.
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.
4 Ingredient Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders
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.
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