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Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders

Helen T. Patterson
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and juicy dish that you can easily make at home.
Marinated in a zesty combination of lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings, these tender pieces of chicken are grilled to perfection.
With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
You’ll enjoy the smoky, savory flavor of the grilled tenders just like the ones served at Cracker Barrel.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill – 1 (medium-high heat)
  • Small bowl – 1 (for making marinade)
  • Whisk – 1 (for mixing marinade ingredients)
  • Meat thermometer – 1 (optional, to check chicken’s internal temperature)
  • Tongs – 1 (for flipping the chicken on the grill)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g – Boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • 2 tbsp – Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp – Lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp – Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp – Onion powder
  • 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp – Salt
  • ¼ tsp – Black pepper
  • Fresh parsley optional – For garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Clean the chicken tenders by removing any excess fat or tendons. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Make the Marinade:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken tenders in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
    Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).

Preheat the Grill:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F).

Grill the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken tenders on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    Flip the tenders halfway through grilling for even cooking.

Rest the Chicken:

  • After grilling, remove the chicken tenders from the grill and let them rest for 3-5 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Slice the chicken tenders against the grain, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours. If you're short on time, 30 minutes is still effective.
  • Grilling Alternatives: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can cook the tenders in a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven.
  • Customize the Marinade: Feel free to add a touch of honey, mustard, or cayenne pepper to the marinade to adjust the flavor to your liking.
  • Resting is Key: Always let the grilled chicken rest before cutting into it to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
Keyword Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders