My husband has been telling me that I need to find a copycat Cracker Barrel grilled chicken tenderloins recipe. It’s his favorite Cracker Barrel menu item, and the dish he always order we visit a Cracker Barrel (usually on family vacations). I have to admit that the Cracker Barrel’s chicken tenders are super delicious. They have such a wonderfully sweet flavor, and I was excited at the prospect of recreating this recipe at home.

After scouring the internet for copycat Cracker Barrel grilled chicken tenderloins recipes, I’ve found that they all contain a few key ingredients. I decided to do a little experimenting in the kitchen with the suggested combinations of Italian dressing, lime juice, and honey. I’ve finally landed on this recipe that my family really loves.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloins

Psst… I don’t actually grill them!

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins Recipe - If you're a fan of Cracker Barrel's sweet chicken tenders, you're going to love this quick and easy copycat recipe! These chicken tenderloins are juicy and extremely flavorful!

We usually make our knock-off Cracker Barrel chicken tenders in a non-stick skillet, but you could also use this marinade and take them to the grill. In fact, I love to cut the chicken into smaller chunks and put them on a skewer along with some fresh vegetables. It’s a great alternative to burgers and hotdogs when you’re grilling out with friends and family.

These yummy copycat Cracker Barrel grilled chicken tenderloins are sweet, with just a little tang, and the chicken ends up being so juicy and flavorful. You are going to absolutely love this chicken tenders recipe. My kids are pretty picky when it comes to eating meat of any kind, and they even enjoy it when I make this for dinner.

The last time I made these chicken tenders for my family, I served them with my easy roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes. My entire family loved the meal, and this chicken tenderloins recipe is one that we eat again and again.

There is just something comforting about family meals at Cracker Barrel. This isn’t a commercial for the restaurant chain, just my own observations. We usually visit Cracker Barrel while we’re on family vacations, so the food is very much wrapped up with those warm memories for me. Plus, who doesn’t love playing that classic peg gameCopycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloins while waiting for their meal, or shopping in the Cracker Barrel gift shop afterward?

If you’re a fan of Cracker Barrel’s chicken tenders, you’re going to love this quick and easy copycat recipe. Grab the recipe below, and be sure to follow me on Instagram for even more recipe ideas.

Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe

Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloins

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken tenders or cut chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice

Instructions

  1. Place chicken tenderloins into a large plastic bag with wet ingredients. Marinate in refrigerator for at least one hour.
  2. Add chicken and liquid to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until liquid is reduced and chicken is golden in color, but not dry. Be sure to turn chicken throughout the cooking process.