This Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders recipe is a smoky and tender dish, which uses zesty Italian dressing and fresh lime juice. It’s a healthy dinner option, ready in about 20 minutes (plus marinating time).
Jump to RecipeCracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (about 8-10 tenders)
- ½ cup Zesty Italian Dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp pure honey
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp olive oil (for the pan or grill grates)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How To Make Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Marinate the chicken: In a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish, whisk together the Italian dressing, honey, and fresh lime juice. Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prep the grill or pan: Preheat an outdoor grill or a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If using an indoor pan, brush it lightly with the olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the meat: Remove the tenders from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid (discard the remaining marinade). Place the tenders on the hot grill. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until nice grill marks appear.
- Flip and finish: Flip the tenders and cook for another 3–4 minutes on the other side. The chicken is done when it is firm to the touch and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the tenders from the heat and place them on a serving platter. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Recipe Tips
- How to avoid dry chicken: Chicken tenders are lean and small, so they cook very quickly. Watch them closely; as soon as they hit 165°F, remove them from the heat immediately.
- The secret marinade ratio: Cracker Barrel’s flavor comes from a specific combination of tangy dressing and a hint of sweetness. Don’t skip the honey; it aids in caramelization on the grill grates.
- Pan-searing vs. Grilling: If you don’t have a grill, you can use a regular non-stick skillet. You won’t get the char marks, but the flavor will still be delicious. Add a drop of liquid smoke to the marinade if cooking indoors for that authentic effect.
- Don’t over-marinate: Since Italian dressing contains vinegar (acid), marinating for more than 4-6 hours can start to break down the meat texture too much, making it mushy.
What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
These light tenders go well with classic country sides.
- Country Green Beans: A savory vegetable side.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy comfort food.
- Baby Carrots: Steamed or honey-glazed.
- Cole Slaw: Adds a creamy, crunchy contrast.
How To Store Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Refrigerate: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Allow to cool, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 260kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturates: 1.5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Salt: 1.4g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 4 servings) and depends on the brand of dressing used.
FAQs
It depends entirely on the Italian dressing you use. Many brands are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure. The chicken, honey, and lime are naturally gluten-free.
Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Rubbery chicken is almost always a result of overcooking. Because tenders are so thin, even one extra minute on high heat can toughen the protein fibers.
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes8
minutes260
kcalA healthy and flavorful copycat recipe featuring juicy chicken tenders marinated in a zesty blend of Italian dressing, honey, and lime, then grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
½ cup Italian Dressing (Zesty)
1 tsp honey
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
Directions
- Whisk Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Add chicken tenders and marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess liquid.
- Grill tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Adding a small amount of lime juice to the store-bought dressing brightens the flavor and mimics the distinct tang found in the restaurant version.
- It is crucial to discard the used marinade immediately after removing the raw chicken to prevent any cross-contamination.
- If you do not have a grill pan, you can achieve a similar result by broiling the tenders in the oven on a high rack for about 5 minutes per side.
