Cracker Barrel Chicken Marinade Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Chicken Marinade is a zesty and versatile recipe, which uses tangy Italian dressing and sweet honey to tenderize poultry. It’s the secret to restaurant-quality grilled chicken, ready in about 5 minutes.

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Cracker Barrel Chicken Marinade Ingredients

• 1 cup Zesty Italian Dressing (must be the “Zesty” variety, not creamy)
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 2 tsp pure honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp vegetable oil or olive oil (helps the marinade stick)

How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Marinade

1. Combine liquids: In a medium mixing bowl or a glass jar with a tight lid, pour in the Zesty Italian dressing. Add the fresh lime juice, honey, and oil.
2. Add spices: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. (Note: Most Italian dressings are already salty, so extra salt is usually not needed, but you can add a pinch if desired).
3. Mix: Whisk vigorously (or shake the jar) until the honey is completely dissolved and the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
4. Prepare the chicken: Place your chicken (breasts, tenders, or thighs) into a large zip-top bag or a shallow non-reactive dish.
5. Marinate: Pour the marinade over the chicken. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible to ensure the liquid contacts all surfaces of the meat. Massage the bag to coat the chicken evenly.
6. Rest: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally 4 hours. Do not exceed 24 hours, as the vinegar and lime juice can start to “cook” the texture of the chicken, making it mushy.

Recipe Tips

• The Lime Secret: While Italian dressing is the base, the addition of fresh lime juice is the “secret” ingredient that brightens the flavor and mimics the distinct tang found in Cracker Barrel’s grilled tenders.
• Pricking the meat: For thicker cuts like chicken breasts, prick them all over with a fork before adding the marinade. This allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the fibers.
• Honey caramelization: The honey in this marinade helps the chicken develop beautiful grill marks and a slight char. Keep an eye on the heat so it doesn’t burn too quickly.
• Versatility: This marinade isn’t just for chicken; it works wonderfully on pork chops or even shrimp (marinate shrimp for only 15–20 minutes).

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Chicken Marinade

Chicken marinated in this blend pairs with almost any side.

• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, peppers, and onions.
• Macaroni and Cheese: The classic Cracker Barrel side.
• Corn on the Cob: A perfect summer pairing.
• Side Salad: Slice the cooked chicken over greens.

How To Store Cracker Barrel Chicken Marinade

• Refrigerate: You can store the mixed marinade in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks before using.
• Discard: Never reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken. If you want a sauce for serving, reserve a portion before adding the meat.
• Freeze: You can freeze chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. It will marinate as it thaws.

Cracker Barrel Chicken Marinade Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 60kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturates: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Salt: 0.4g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving of marinade absorbed (approx. 2 tbsp).

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