Description
Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders deliver southern comfort with crispy, golden perfection straight from your kitchen. Juicy chicken strips coated in seasoned breading promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
Liquid Marinade and Sweetener:
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Immerse the chicken tenders in a zesty marinade combining tangy Italian dressing, golden honey, and bright lime juice, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Seal the marinating chicken in a secure container and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat for enhanced taste and tenderness.
- Select your preferred cooking method: stovetop or grill, preparing the surface to a medium heat for optimal cooking conditions.
- For stovetop preparation, place the marinated chicken tenders onto a heated skillet, cooking each side until a rich golden-brown exterior develops and the internal temperature reaches safe consumption levels.
- Alternatively, for grilling enthusiasts, position the tenders across preheated grill grates, rotating midway to achieve even caramelization and perfect doneness.
- Monitor cooking time carefully, typically 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and thoroughly cooked without becoming dry.
- Once fully cooked, remove the chicken tenders from heat and allow a brief resting period to redistribute internal moisture.
- Present the succulent tenders alongside complementary accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant green beans, or traditional southern cornbread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Customize the marinade by swapping Italian dressing with buttermilk for a tangier, more tender result that helps break down chicken proteins.
- Adjust cooking times based on tender thickness, using a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour during breading, maintaining the crispy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Elevate leftovers by chopping cold tenders into salads or wraps, maximizing meal versatility and reducing food waste with creative repurposing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg