Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and Homemade!

If you’ve ever visited Cracker Barrel, you’re probably familiar with their mouthwatering fried chicken tenders.

Golden, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, these tenders have become a beloved classic for many.

What makes Cracker Barrel’s chicken tenders so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of a well-seasoned, crispy coating and tender, flavorful chicken.

The good news is that you don’t have to make a trip to Cracker Barrel to enjoy this comfort food favorite.

With this Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe, you can recreate that delicious, crispy crunch in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner for friends and family, these chicken tenders will hit the spot every time.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to get perfectly crispy chicken tenders, just like the ones you love from Cracker Barrel.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders

To make the perfect Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders, it’s important to gather all the right ingredients.

Fortunately, the recipe calls for simple items that you may already have in your kitchen.

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this crispy, tender dish.

Chicken Tenders

First and foremost, you’ll need fresh chicken tenders.

These are the star of the recipe, and using quality chicken will make all the difference.

You can buy pre-cut chicken tenders or use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that you cut into tender-sized pieces.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is key to achieving a tender, juicy chicken.

It helps to marinate the chicken, tenderizing the meat while adding a slight tang that complements the seasonings.

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for five minutes.

All-Purpose Flour

The flour serves as the base for the crispy coating on the chicken tenders.

It creates the perfect texture when fried.

For extra crispiness, you can also mix a little cornstarch into the flour.

Seasonings

The seasoning blend is what gives these chicken tenders their signature flavor.

You’ll need:

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder and onion powder for savory depth
• Paprika for a subtle smoky flavor
• A pinch of cayenne pepper for just a touch of heat

Eggs

Eggs are used to create a binding mixture that holds the breading to the chicken tenders.

They also add richness to the coating.

Oil for Frying

For the best results, you’ll need an oil with a high smoke point for frying.

Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are excellent choices.

These oils allow you to fry the chicken tenders at the right temperature without burning or becoming too greasy.

Optional Dipping Sauces

While the tenders are flavorful enough on their own, adding a dipping sauce can elevate the meal.

Consider offering ranch dressing, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for extra flavor options.

How to Prepare Chicken Tenders for Frying

The key to making Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders is in the preparation.

Properly preparing your chicken ensures that it stays juicy on the inside while getting perfectly crispy on the outside.

Here’s how to prepare your chicken tenders before frying them:

Step 1: Trim and Clean the Chicken

If you’re using whole chicken breasts, cut them into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.

Chicken tenders are typically pre-cut, but if you’re using breast pieces, make sure they’re even in size for uniform cooking.

You’ll also want to trim off any excess fat or connective tissue, ensuring the chicken pieces are clean and neat.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk

One of the most important steps in getting tender chicken is marinating. Place your chicken tenders in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk.

The buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken while also infusing it with a subtle tangy flavor.

Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours.

This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, making it extra juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Once your chicken is marinated, remove it from the buttermilk and allow any excess liquid to drip off.

Season the chicken tenders lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Breading Station

To create the perfect coating, you’ll need to set up a breading station.

In one shallow dish, combine your all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

In another shallow dish, crack and beat two eggs. This egg mixture will help the flour mixture adhere to the chicken tenders.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken Tenders

First, dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Next, transfer it to the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Shake off any excess flour before placing it on a plate or tray, ready to be fried.

Repeat this process until all the chicken tenders are coated.

Serving Suggestions: How to Serve Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders

Now that your Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders are crispy and golden, it’s time to think about how to serve them!

These tenders are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides or served in different ways to suit your meal.

Here are some great serving suggestions:

Classic Cracker Barrel Sides

The beauty of Cracker Barrel fried chicken tenders is that they pair perfectly with many of their signature sides.

For a truly authentic experience, serve your chicken tenders with some of these Cracker Barrel classics:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes make the perfect complement to fried chicken tenders.
• Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy slaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the fried chicken.
• Biscuits or Cornbread: Don’t forget to serve some fluffy biscuits or sweet cornbread on the side to round out the meal.
• Green Beans: A simple side of green beans provides a great contrast to the heaviness of fried food, making for a more balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Serve Chicken Tenders

While classic sides are always a hit, you can also get creative with how you serve your chicken tenders.

Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken Tender Salad: Add sliced fried chicken tenders to a bed of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.
  A drizzle of ranch or honey mustard dressing can elevate the salad.
• Chicken Tender Wraps: For a lighter take, roll your crispy tenders up in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce.
  These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch or a portable meal.
• Chicken Tender Sandwich: For a hearty meal, place your fried chicken tenders on a toasted bun with pickles, lettuce, and your choice of sauce.
  Add a side of fries, and you’ve got yourself a crispy, delicious sandwich.

Dipping Sauces

No fried chicken is complete without a delicious dipping sauce. Here are some crowd-pleasing options to serve with your chicken tenders:

• Ranch Dressing: A creamy, tangy ranch dip is a classic favorite and pairs beautifully with crispy chicken tenders.
• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce is a great option for those who like a bit of sweetness with their savory chicken.
• Buffalo Sauce: For those who enjoy a little heat, buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that goes perfectly with the crispy coating.
• Barbecue Sauce: Smoky and rich barbecue sauce is another excellent option for dipping your tenders.

Plating Tips

To make your fried chicken tenders look even more appetizing, consider plating them creatively.

Arrange the tenders in a fan shape on a large plate or platter, and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.

If serving as a sandwich or wrap, consider adding a few pickle slices or a drizzle of sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders

Making perfect fried chicken tenders might sound simple, but there are a few tips and tricks that will help you elevate your cooking game and bring that authentic Cracker Barrel flavor to life.

1. Use Fresh Chicken

For the best results, always use fresh chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Fresh chicken has a better texture and flavor compared to frozen, which can sometimes affect the moisture and tenderness.

2. Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Marinade

Marinating your chicken tenders in buttermilk is essential for a tender and juicy result.

The acid in the buttermilk helps break down the protein fibers in the chicken, ensuring they stay moist even after frying.

If you’re short on time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer is always better (up to two hours).

3. Double Coat the Chicken for Extra Crispy Texture

For an extra crispy, thick coating, try double-breading the chicken tenders.

After dipping the chicken in the egg wash and flour mixture, give it a second dip in the egg wash followed by another coat of the seasoned flour.

This creates a super crunchy texture that mimics the Cracker Barrel style.

4. Fry at the Right Temperature

The key to crispy chicken is frying at the right temperature. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become soggy.

If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Aim for an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C). A thermometer will help you keep the oil at a steady, perfect frying temperature.

5. Avoid Crowding the Pan

When frying your tenders, don’t overcrowd the pan.

Overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy, greasy tenders.

Fry the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets the crispy golden crust it deserves.

6. Let the Tenders Rest

Once your chicken tenders are fried, place them on a cooling rack (not directly on paper towels) to allow the air to circulate around them.

This helps to keep the coating crispy, rather than trapping steam and making them soggy.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Tenders

Sometimes, there’s leftover fried chicken, and while it’s tempting to just store it in the fridge and forget about it, there’s a right way to preserve that crispy goodness for the next day.

Storing Leftover Chicken Tenders

Allow the chicken tenders to cool down to room temperature before storing them.

Place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

This will help maintain the crispiness of the tenders for a longer period.

Store them in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating Leftover Chicken Tenders

To reheat your chicken tenders without sacrificing the crispy exterior, avoid using the microwave as it can make the breading soggy.

Instead, follow these steps:

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again.
• Stovetop Method: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenders and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are crispy and heated through.

Freezing Leftover Chicken Tenders

If you want to keep leftover chicken tenders for an extended period, freezing is an option.

Place the cooled tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1-2 hours.

Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.

Conclusion

Making Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders at home is easier than you think, and the results are undeniably delicious!

With the right ingredients, a few simple steps, and some helpful tips, you can recreate this crispy comfort food classic in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re serving them with mashed potatoes, making a wrap, or enjoying them with your favorite dipping sauce, these tenders are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Don’t forget to try out the tips for the best results and enjoy your homemade chicken tenders the next time you want a quick, crispy, and flavorful meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the chicken tenders ahead of time.

Store them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours before frying.

This can actually help the breading adhere better to the chicken.

2. Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded tenders on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

3. How do I make the chicken tenders spicier?

For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.

You can also marinate the chicken tenders in a mixture of hot sauce and buttermilk for an added heat boost.

4. Can I freeze the chicken tenders after frying?

Yes, you can freeze fried chicken tenders. After frying, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven for the best results.

5. What can I serve with Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders?

Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders go well with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, biscuits, or cornbread.

You can also serve them with salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a creative twist.