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
Scale
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.
