This Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloin is a flavorful and light recipe, which uses a distinct Italian marinade and a splash of lime. It’s a protein-packed meal, ready in about 15 minutes (plus marinating).
Jump to RecipeCracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloin Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins (approx. 8 pieces)
- ½ cup Zesty Italian Dressing
- 2 tsp pure honey
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for oiling the grill grates)
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
How To Make Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloin
- Prepare the marinade: In a small mixing bowl or a glass measuring cup, whisk together the Zesty Italian dressing, honey, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and black pepper until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Marinate the tenderloins: Place the raw chicken tenderloins in a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, squeeze out the excess air, and seal the bag. Massage the bag gently to coat every piece. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
- Heat the grill: Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (approx. 375°F to 400°F). Clean the grates and brush them lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the tenderloins from the bag and discard the excess marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing nice grill marks to form.
- Flip and finish: Flip the tenderloins over and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- Rest and serve: Transfer the grilled tenderloins to a clean platter. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure they remain juicy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Removing the tendon: Chicken tenderloins often have a tough white tendon running through them. For the best eating experience, you can remove this before marinating by gripping the white tip with a paper towel and scraping the meat down with a fork.
- Why add honey: The sugar in the honey helps the chicken caramelize and get those appetizing char marks on the grill, balancing the acidity of the vinegar in the Italian dressing.
- Don’t overcook: Tenderloins are very lean and thin. They cook much faster than breasts. Keep a close eye on them; overcooking will result in dry, rubbery meat.
- Indoor cooking: If you don’t have a grill, you can sear these in a cast-iron skillet with a little olive oil for a similar result.
What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloin
These versatile tenderloins pair perfectly with Cracker Barrel-style sides.
- Steamed Broccoli: Keeps the meal healthy and low-carb.
- Hashbrown Casserole: The cheesy potatoes are a classic pairing.
- Pinto Beans: Adds fiber and savory flavor.
- Fried Apples: A sweet Southern side dish.
How To Store Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloin
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked tenderloins in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Wrap loosely in foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or chop cold and add to salads.
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloin Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 230kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturates: 1.5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Salt: 1.1g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 4 servings) and varies based on marinade absorption.
FAQs
Technically, the tenderloin is a specific muscle located underneath the chicken breast. “Tenders” can sometimes refer to strips of breast meat cut to look like tenderloins, but true tenderloins are more tender and moist.
Yes, but fresh lime juice provides a brighter, zestier flavor that cuts through the savory dressing better than bottled concentrate.
It can be. To make it strictly Keto, omit the honey or use a sugar-free maple syrup substitute, and ensure your Italian dressing is low in sugar.
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenderloin Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes8
minutes230
kcalJuicy chicken tenderloins marinated in a zesty blend of Italian dressing, honey, and lime, then grilled for a smoky, healthy dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenderloins
½ cup Zesty Italian Dressing
2 tsp honey
1 tsp lime juice
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Directions
- Whisk dressing, honey, lime, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place tenderloins in a bag and pour marinade over them.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Grill chicken for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat when internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Removing the tough white tendon from the tenderloin before cooking makes the meat much easier to eat and improves the texture.
- Marinating for at least one hour is essential for the flavor to penetrate the meat, but avoid marinating overnight as the vinegar can make the chicken mushy.
- The combination of lime juice and honey mimics the secret flavor profile used in the Cracker Barrel kitchen.
