Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders are a favorite dish for anyone who enjoys flavorful homestyle meals. Cracker Barrel happens to be one of my family’s favorite restaurants, and the chicken tenders is one of the most popular items on their menu! This simple copycat recipe uses a three-ingredient marinade to infuse the chicken with great flavor. With a few simple steps, you can recreate this copycat chicken tenders recipe at home, enjoying the taste of Cracker Barrel without having to leave your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders are beloved for their juicy, tender texture and rich, savory flavor. It’s truly one of my favorite recipes! This chicken tenderloins recipe uses a simple 3-ingredient marinade made from Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice, which gives the chicken a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet taste. The chicken is seared to a golden brown, making it perfect for serving with country sides like green beans or a simple side salad. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will please the whole family, these chicken tenders are a great choice.

How to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

Making Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders at home is easy and requires only a few steps. The marinade is quick to prepare, and the chicken cooks up quickly in a hot skillet. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you create this delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup Italian dressing (Olive Garden brand recommended)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (bottled or fresh lime juice)
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, lime juice, and honey until well combined. Set aside.

Step Two: Using kitchen scissors, clip any thick portions of the white tendon off of each of the chicken tenders. Some smaller tenderloins probably won’t need any trimming!

Step Three: Place the chicken strips into a gallon zip lock bag. Add the marinade, making sure each piece of chicken is well-covered. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step Four: Remove tenders from the marinade to a paper towel-lined plate. You’ll want to pat excess liquid off the tenders. This is a very important step. Removing excess liquid will help you get a good color and sear. When you cook tenders that are too wet, you’ll be steaming instead of searing the meat.

Step Five: Add olive oil to a large skillet (nonstick is best) and heat to medium-high. You want the skillet to be nice and hot to get a good sear. Add the chicken tenders in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. You will need to plan to cook the chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding. 

Step Six: Cook the chicken tenderloins for 2-3 minutes on one side, without disturbing, until seared and deep golden in color. Flip, and cook an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. Cook the chicken tenders (continuing to flip) until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F when tested with a digital meat thermometer. Cooking times might vary slightly depending on your stove, the size of the tenders, and the pan you are using. 

Step Seven: Remove chicken tenders to a plate and cover with foil. Let them rest about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, optional.

Substitutions and Variations

The good thing about this chicken tenders recipe, is that there are many different options for substituting ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Fresh Lime Juice: While I use a bottled lime juice here, you can certainly use fresh lime juice. Don’t have limes? Lemons will also work. You can also make this recipe without any citrus juice for a similar result.
• Chicken Breasts: If you don’t have tenderloins, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
• Grilled Chicken: Looking for a great cookout recipe? Pop these tenderloins on the grill! This is one of my favorite summer grilling recipes!

Best Tips

Marinate Properly: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade for the best flavor. Letting it sit for one hour will make a big difference. For this recipe, you don’t want to marinate any longer than about an hour. This is because the acid in the marinade will actually chemically cook your chicken if it’s allowed to be in it too long. One hour is ideal, but do not exceed 2 hours.

Pat Dry Before Cooking: Removing excess marinade with paper towels helps achieve a good sear and golden brown color. It seems counterintuitive to blot the excess marinade off the chicken, but trust me, too much liquid will prevent you from getting the color and flavor that we’re going for in this recipe.

Use a Hot Skillet: A hot non-stick pan is essential for searing the chicken to perfection. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.

Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cooking in batches ensures each piece cooks evenly and gets a nice sear.

Check Internal Temperature: Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

How to Store Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

To store leftovers, place the cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage of your leftover chicken, you can freeze it in a zip lock bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a skillet or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make these chicken tenders in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray or brush the basket with olive oil and place the tenders into the basket, making sure they have space around them. You may need to air fry in batches. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What sides go well with Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders?

These chicken tenders pair well with country sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad. For a complete meal, serve with a variety of homestyle sides.

Can I use a different brand of Italian dressing?

Yes, you can use any brand of Italian dressing you prefer. However, Olive Garden brand is my absolute favorite. I really do think it makes a difference.

Can I use this recipe for meal prep?

Absolutely! Home cooking is a priority for me this year, and I love using this recipe for meal prep. Store the cooked tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use them throughout the week in salads, wraps, or with your favorite sides. I often make bowls with a base of white rice, sliced pieces of the chicken tenders, and roasted broccoli.

How can I make Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders spicier?

To add some heat to the recipe, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. This will give the chicken a spicy kick.

Making Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders at home is so easy! I make this recipe for my family at least once a week. Whether you serve them with a simple side salad or your favorite country sides, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit. Enjoy this easy copycat recipe and bring the taste of Cracker Barrel to your dinner table.

More Chicken Recipes

• Chicken Cobbler
• Ground Chicken Chili
• Doritos Chicken Casserole