If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, tender to the bite, and downright addictive, you’ve got to try the Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe. This dish perfectly balances a zesty marinade with sweet honey and refreshing lime juice, all woven together by the savory Italian dressing that soaks the chicken until it’s bursting with juicy goodness. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer grilling or cozy weeknight dinners, making every bite taste like a warm, home-cooked hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this dish pop with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s tenderizing the chicken, adding brightness, or bringing a touch of sweetness to balance everything out.
- 2 cups Italian dressing: This is the star marinade base that infuses the chicken with herbs and tang.
- 2 Tbsp lime juice: Adds a fresh citrusy kick that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 6 Tbsp honey: Brings sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 2 lb chicken tenderloins: Tender, juicy pieces that cook quickly and soak up all the marinade flavors.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Create the Marinade
Start by whisking together the Italian dressing, lime juice, and honey in a medium bowl. This combination is what sets the Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe apart, creating a marinade that’s both tangy and sweet, perfectly balanced to flavor each bite without overwhelming the natural chicken taste.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken tenderloins into a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag and toss everything around to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least a few hours, but if time allows, marinating overnight will deepen the flavor and ensure every tender piece is juicy and delicious.
Step 3: Prepare Your Grill
Whether you’re using a charcoal grill or a gas grill, get it nice and hot and clean the grates. The high heat will help create those irresistible grill marks and lock in flavor, making your chicken tenders look and taste restaurant-quality at home.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover liquid—that prevents flare-ups and ensures safe cooking. Place the tenders on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165ºF for perfectly cooked chicken that stays moist and tender.
How to Serve Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and fresh flavor. For an extra zing, a wedge of lime on the plate lets everyone add a splash of brightness just before digging in.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw pair wonderfully with these grilled chicken tenders, channeling that beloved Cracker Barrel vibe. For a lighter option, serve alongside grilled veggies or a crisp green salad to keep the meal fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this recipe into a fun family meal by serving the chicken tenders on skewers for easy dipping in your favorite sauces. You can also slice them up for salads, wraps, or even atop a hearty grain bowl. The versatility of the Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe means it’s perfect for casual lunches or dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed helps preserve their juiciness and flavor, making them perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the chicken on hand longer, freeze the cooked tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking together.
Reheating
Reheat overnight leftovers gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain moisture without drying them out. Microwaving works for convenience, but wrap tenders in a damp paper towel to keep them tender during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for the Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken tenderloins are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can work too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure doneness.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
For the most flavorful and tender chicken, marinate for at least 2 hours. If you have time, overnight marinating is even better to let all those lovely flavors penetrate deeply.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can cook the marinated chicken tenders on a stovetop grill pan or even bake them in the oven. Just watch the cooking time and temperature closely to avoid drying out the chicken.
What can I serve with this recipe to keep it low-carb?
Great low-carb sides include roasted or grilled vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh leafy green salad. These options complement the chicken without adding unnecessary carbs.
Can I use bottled Italian dressing, or should I make my own?
You can definitely use a good-quality bottled Italian dressing for convenience. If you prefer, making your own lets you customize flavors, but the bottled versions work wonderfully for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe—its simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s deeply flavorful, juicy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to revisit again and again. So fire up that grill and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders feature tender chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy mixture of Italian dressing, lime juice, and honey, then grilled to juicy perfection. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or casual gathering, delivering a delightful balance of citrus and honey flavors with a smoky grilled finish.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 cups Italian dressing
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 6 Tbsp honey
Chicken
- 2 lb chicken tenderloins
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of Italian dressing, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and 6 tablespoons of honey until fully combined to create a sweet and tangy marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place 2 pounds of chicken tenderloins in a large ziplock freezer bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Place the chicken tenderloins on the grill and cook for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (75ºC) and is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving to retain the juices. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken tenders as a main dish or sliced over salads or wraps.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but for best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF to ensure it is safe to eat.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips if tenderloins are not available.
- For extra smoky flavor, use charcoal or wood chips on the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill, the chicken can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven at 400ºF for about 20 minutes.
