Cracker Barrel Honey Maple Chicken Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Honey Maple Chicken is a sweet and savory recipe, which calls for pure maple syrup and golden honey. It’s a family-favorite dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.

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Cracker Barrel Honey Maple Chicken Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 8-10 chicken tenders)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (for a grilled flavor)
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (to balance sweetness)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (adds umami depth)
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make Cracker Barrel Honey Maple Chicken

1. Prep the chicken: If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch so they cook uniformly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season the meat: In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side (or 3-4 minutes for tenders) until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken to a plate.
4. Create the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter, maple syrup, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Whisk to combine, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce bubble gently for 3–4 minutes until it reduces slightly and becomes sticky enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Glaze and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning it multiple times in the simmering sauce to coat it thick and evenly. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Tips

• How to prevent burning: Because this glaze has two types of sugar (honey and maple), it can burn easily at high heat. Keep the heat at medium-low when reducing the sauce.
• Using tenders vs. breasts: Cracker Barrel often serves this flavor profile on their grilled tenders. Tenders cook faster and have more surface area for the glaze, making them a kid-friendly option.
• The secret ingredient: A splash of soy sauce might seem out of place in a sweet glaze, but it provides the necessary saltiness to cut through the sugar and mimics the savory depth of restaurant-style glazes.
• Grilling option: If you prefer to grill outdoors, cook the chicken on the grill and simmer the sauce in a small saucepan on the side. Brush the sauce onto the chicken during the last minute of grilling.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Honey Maple Chicken

This sweet chicken pairs well with savory, salty sides.

• Steamed Green Beans: The freshness cuts the sugar.
• Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy contrast to the sticky glaze.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Complements the maple flavor.
• Corn Muffins: Perfect for dipping in the sauce.

How To Store Cracker Barrel Honey Maple Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze the coated chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the glaze, or cover and microwave until warm.

Cracker Barrel Honey Maple Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380kcal
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturates: 4g
• Sugar: 29g
• Salt: 0.8g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 4 servings) and includes the sauce.

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