Cracker Barrel Chicken Tender Sandwich Recipe

The Cracker Barrel Chicken Tender Sandwich is a hearty, Southern-inspired meal that transforms their famous homestyle breaded tenders into a satisfying, portable lunch favorite. Ideally the brioche buns should be toasted with a generous amount of salted butter to provide a sturdy, rich foundation that can support the crispy chicken and fresh toppings without becoming soggy.

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Cracker Barrel Chicken Tender Sandwich Recipe Ingredients

• 8 homestyle breaded chicken tenders (prepared using the baked or fried method)
• 4 brioche buns or large slider rolls
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Southern-style remoulade
• 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 12 to 16 dill pickle chips
• 4 slices sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional)
• 1 large tomato, sliced (optional)

How To Make Cracker Barrel Chicken Tender Sandwich Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken: Ensure your chicken tenders are freshly cooked and hot. If you are using cheese, place a slice over two tenders while they are still on the baking sheet to allow it to melt slightly.
2. Toast the Buns: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns. Place them face-down in a skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp.
3. Build the Base: Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise or remoulade sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted bun.
4. Layer the Fixings: On the bottom bun, place a generous helping of shredded lettuce followed by 3 or 4 dill pickle chips. Add a tomato slice if desired.
5. Assemble the Sandwich: Place two hot chicken tenders (with melted cheese if using) on top of the pickles.
6. Final Touch: Close the sandwich with the top bun and press down gently to secure the ingredients. Serve immediately while the chicken is at its maximum crispiness.

Recipe Tips

• Shredded Lettuce Choice: Use iceberg lettuce for that authentic restaurant “crunch.” Its high water content and neutral flavor provide a cooling contrast to the seasoned breading of the tenders.
• Sauce Variations: While plain mayo is traditional, mixing it with a teaspoon of mustard and a dash of hot sauce creates a “Zesty” mayo that mimics the bolder flavors often found in Southern diners.
• The Bun Quality: Do not use standard white bread buns if possible. Brioche or potato rolls have a higher egg and butter content, which helps them hold up better against the weight and heat of the chicken.
• Pickle Placement: Pat your pickles dry with a paper towel before adding them to the sandwich. This prevents the pickle brine from soaking into the bottom bun and making it mushy.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Chicken Tender Sandwich

Sandwich accompaniments are crunchy, salty additions frequently served to round out a casual lunch or a family picnic meal. Ideally the steak fries should be seasoned with a blend of paprika and garlic salt while they are still hot from the oven to ensure the spices adhere perfectly to every surface.

• Thick-cut steak fries or seasoned potato wedges
• A side of creamy coleslaw
• Cracker Barrel Chicken Dumpling Soup
• A large glass of sweet iced tea or lemonade

How To Store Cracker Barrel Chicken Tender Sandwich

• Refrigerate: It is best to store the components separately. Keep the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days and assemble the sandwich fresh when ready to eat.
• Reheat: Reheat the chicken tenders in an air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness before assembly. Toasting the bun again is also recommended for the best texture.
• Freeze: Do not freeze the assembled sandwich. You can freeze the breaded chicken tenders for up to 2 months and thaw/reheat them as needed.

Cracker Barrel Chicken Tender Sandwich Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 550 kcal (per sandwich)
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

Nutrition information is estimated per sandwich based on 4 servings.

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