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This copycat recipe is not just easy; it’s downright delicious. With only 4 simple ingredients, you can recreate the Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders in a snap!

cracker barrel chicken tenders in a skillet

Today, I’m super excited to share a recipe that’s sure to bring some Cracker Barrel magic right into your kitchen. I’m talking about those irresistible Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders that we all love so much.

I’ve always been a huge fan of Cracker Barrel. There’s something about the combination of shopping and good food that just wins my heart every time.

Lily absolutely loves going to Cracker Barrel, for that very reason. She has to look through the whole shop before we can sit down and have a meal. It’s so fun!

And let’s talk about those chicken tenders—they are always so moist and flavorful! After trying this recipe at home, I was amazed at how dead on to the original it is.

Now, these chicken tenders have become a regular dish in our meal rotation. Plus, they’re super easy to make and light on calories—perfect for when we’re trying to eat healthily!

I’m always so impressed at how well the Italian dressing melds with the chicken. It’s really a combination that was meant to be.

So, let’s dive into why this Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders recipe is a must-try and how you can whip up this delicious meal in no time!

Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: Best Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Recipe, Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe with Tzatziki, and Creamy One Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe.

cracker barrel chicken tenders on a white plate

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Simple Ingredients: Only 4 ingredients needed, making it incredibly easy to prepare. You can’t go wrong when you’ve got a short list of ingredients like that!
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just a few minutes, perfect for a fast and delicious meal. I love making it on nights when I know we won’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Close to the Original: Tastes almost just like the Cracker Barrel original, satisfying your cravings at home. Try it and you’ll know for yourself!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Chicken tenderloins
Italian dressing
Fresh lime juice
Honey

ingredients needed for cracker barrel chicken tenders

HOW TO MAKE CRACKER BARREL CHICKEN TENDERS:

Mix the dressing, lime juice, and honey together in a small bowl.
Place the marinade in a zip lock bag with the chicken and make sure all the chicken is coated. Place this in the fridge to marinade for an hour; if you marinade longer, the chicken might start cooking due to the lime juice, so keep an eye on it!
In a large skillet over medium heat, spray the skillet with cooking spray. Add the chicken to the pan, let the excess marinade drip off and discard.
Let the tenders brown on all sides until cooked through, about 8 minutes total or until the internal temperature is 165°F. Serve with your favorite sides or with a salad, and enjoy immediately!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

CAN I USE CHICKEN BREAST?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this easy copycat recipe by slicing the chicken breast into chicken strips.

These strips will marinate and cook just as deliciously as the tenderloins.

Follow the same steps with your marinated chicken strips, and you’ll have a tasty dish in no time.

Alternatively, you can do the same with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

WHAT TO SERVE THESE WITH?

These copycat tenders, a favorite menu item, pair wonderfully with a variety of sides.

You might try them with a simple side salad, some freshly steamed green beans, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Each of these sides complements the tenderloin pieces beautifully, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

a pair of tongs holding up cracker barrel chicken tenders in air

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DO I NEED A GRILL?

No need for a grill for this great recipe. You can perfectly cook these grilled chicken tenders in a large non-stick skillet on the stovetop.

The large skillet ensures even cooking and easy flipping of the chicken tenderloins recipe, giving you that golden brown perfection without the need for an outdoor grill.

ANY ADDITIONS?

If you’re feeling adventurous, try out a few of these ideas. It’ll change the flavor, but it sure will be tasty!

Sliced lemon for a citrusy touch
Sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor
Chopped parsley for a fresh garnish
Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist
Chopped tomatoes for a juicy addition
Crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor
Avocado slices for creaminess
A drizzle of barbecue sauce
Sliced red onions for a bit of crunch
Shredded lettuce for a salad base

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

There aren’t too many ingredients to swap, but here are a few to try!

Balsamic vinaigrette instead of Italian dressing
Chicken thighs for a juicier cut
Apple cider vinegar in place of lime juice
Maple syrup as a substitute for honey

overhead image cracker barrel chicken tenders on white plate

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap the chicken tenders in plastic wrap (to prevent that freezer burn that we all hate) and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Marinate the chicken for one hour for the best flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier tenders.
Cook on medium heat for a perfect golden brown finish.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating for better flavor absorption.

a fork holding up a piece of cracker barrel chicken tenders in air

These Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders are not just easy to make; they’re absolutely delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping for a weeknight dinner, or just craving some good home cooking, this recipe is sure to be a hit. It brings the beloved Cracker Barrel taste right to your kitchen table, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.

So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of one of your favorite restaurants in the comfort of your own home!

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If you’ve tried these CRACKER BARREL CHICKEN TENDERS, let me know how they turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

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