Juicy Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe at Home

Craving a delightful chicken dish that captures the Cracker Barrel magic right in your kitchen?

Our simple recipe brings restaurant-style grilled chicken tenders to your home with minimal effort.

Succulent and perfectly seasoned, these tenders promise a mouthwatering experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Marinating the chicken creates incredible depth of flavor and ensures each bite remains juicy and tender.

Forget complicated cooking techniques, this straightforward approach means you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with these irresistible tenders that blend smoky grilled notes with classic comfort.

Come cook alongside me and discover how easy it is to recreate this beloved restaurant favorite!

Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean strips of white meat that absorb the marinade's delicious flavors.

• Italian Dressing, Lime Juice, Honey: A zesty and sweet combination that tenderizes and adds vibrant flavor to the chicken.

• Grill: Outdoor cooking equipment that provides a smoky char and perfect grill marks on the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the grilled chicken tenders.

How to Prepare Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Craft Zesty Marinade

• Italian dressing
• Fresh lime juice
• Golden honey

Stir these ingredients until they create a smooth, vibrant mixture that will infuse incredible flavor into the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Transfer chicken tenders into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat for several hours or overnight.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks on the chicken.

Step 4: Prepare Chicken for Grilling

Remove chicken tenders from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Discard the remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place chicken tenders on the hot grill. Cook each side, turning occasionally, until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This typically takes about 10 to 12 minutes total, depending on the thickness of the tenders.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate. Let the tenders rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor before serving.

Pro Tips for Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken soak in the dressing mixture for at least 4 hours to maximize flavor penetration and tenderize the meat completely.
• Grill with Precision: Ensure grill is preheated to medium-high heat for perfect sear marks and even cooking without drying out the chicken.
• Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption and juicy results.
• Rest and Relax: Allow grilled chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, keeping meat moist and flavorful.
• Dairy-Free Delight: This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free Italian dressing.

Variation Suggestions for Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly marinade that keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add cayenne pepper and fresh chopped rosemary to the marinade for a zesty kick and aromatic herb profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use a homemade low-sodium Italian dressing or substitute with olive oil, fresh herbs, and lemon juice to reduce salt content.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure the Italian dressing is gluten-free and use certified gluten-free marinades to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Pairing Ideas for Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Pair Zesty Citrus White Wine: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the tangy lime and honey marinade, cutting through the chicken's richness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Serve Herbed Green Salad: Create a light salad with mixed greens, fresh herbs like basil and parsley, and a light vinaigrette that echoes the Italian dressing marinade, providing a fresh counterpoint to the grilled chicken.
• Match Grilled Summer Vegetables: Prepare zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled with similar herbs and a touch of olive oil, creating a harmonious side that enhances the chicken's Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Storage Tips for Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken tenders on a baking sheet, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs for Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

• What ingredients make this chicken marinade unique?

The combination of Italian dressing, lime juice, and honey creates a tangy, sweet, and zesty flavor profile that helps tenderize and add complexity to the chicken.

• Can I use a different cooking method if I don't have a grill?

Yes, you can cook these chicken tenders in a preheated skillet or oven at 375°F, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

For optimal taste and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but no more than 24 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat’s texture.

Reasons to Enjoy Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Boost Flavor Instantly: The zesty marinade of Italian dressing, lime juice, and honey transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal that bursts with tangy and sweet notes.
• Grill Like a Pro: Simple grilling technique ensures perfectly cooked chicken with beautiful char marks, making even novice cooks look like seasoned chefs.
• Meal Prep Champion: Marinate ahead of time for a convenient dinner solution that saves precious minutes during busy weeknights and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kid-approved chicken tenders that are packed with flavor, easy to eat, and appeal to both adults and children, making mealtime a breeze.

Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel grilled chicken tenders bring Southern comfort right to your kitchen with juicy, perfectly seasoned strips that promise pure culinary delight. Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant favorite, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without leaving comfort zones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenderloins

Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 cups Italian dressing
• 6 tablespoons honey

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

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Instructions

1. Combine zesty Italian dressing, tangy lime juice, and sweet honey in a mixing bowl, creating a vibrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with rich, complex flavors.
2. Transfer raw chicken tenders into a sealed freezer bag, then carefully pour the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for a minimum of 3 hours or ideally overnight to allow deep flavor penetration and tenderizing.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, creating optimal cooking conditions for achieving perfect char and sealed-in moisture.
5. Carefully remove chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and discard the remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Grill the chicken tenders, rotating once midway through cooking, until they develop golden-brown grill marks and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F, which typically takes 8-12 minutes depending on thickness.
7. Let the grilled chicken rest for 3-4 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor retention.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it soak in the mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to enhance tenderness and taste.
• Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils when handling raw chicken, and always wash hands thoroughly.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Italian dressing and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Prevent dryness by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer and removing chicken from grill exactly when it reaches 165°F to maintain juiciness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 415 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg