Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
This copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders could not be any easier for a weeknight meal your family will devour. A simple marinade of Italian dressing, lime, and honey transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed meal without leaving home.
Equipment
- kitchen scissors
- ziplock baggie
- griddle pan or fry pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup Italian Dressing
- 2 tsp lime juice (juice from 1 lime)
- 2½ tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- I prefer to use chicken breasts and cut them into strips myself. Using a pair of kitchen shears (like these), cut each breast into uniform size pieces roughly 2" wide. Note: You can also use chicken tenderloins, but you will need to remove the tendon first. If its down the center of the tenderloin, press the backside of a fork against the tip of the tender and pull the tendon out with your fingers though the fork.
- Whisk together 1 cup Italian dressing, 2 teaspoons lime juice, and 2½ tablespoons honey in a small bowl until combined.Place chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl with marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 mins Tip: I usually do this in the morning and let it marinate all day. You can also set it up the night before and let it marinade overnight.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a little 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add chicken and marinate to pan. Cook chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through. Chicken is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F. I use this meat thermometer to read internal temperature. As the liquid reduces in the pan, it transforms into a glaze that coats the chicken.
- Transfer to a platter and serve with your favorite dipping sauces for dipping (ranch, honey mustard, or bbq sauce all work well), and side dishes.
Notes
For the true Cracker Barrel-style meal, serve with mashed potatoes, green beans and a biscuit.
Or here are some other ideas for side dishes...
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- coleslaw
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- steamed broccoli
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- corn
Nutrition
Calories: 329kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 376mgPotassium: 325mgFiber: 0.04gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 36IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
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