Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe Tastes Just Like Cracker Barrel’s

Name: Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe Tastes Just Like Cracker Barrel’s
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenders; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh garden salad; Grilled vegetables; Mashed potatoes; Homemade biscuits

April 17, 2025

Recipes

Grilled Chicken Tenders That Bring Back Memories

Growing up, my family had a tradition of visiting Cracker Barrel after church on Sundays. The warm, inviting atmosphere and the smell of comfort food always made me feel at home. One of my favorite dishes was their grilled chicken tenders, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. As I grew older, I wanted to recreate that experience in my own kitchen, and this recipe does just that. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories and the love that goes into making it.

What Makes It Special

This grilled chicken tenders recipe stands out for several reasons:

Flavorful Marinade: The marinade infuses the chicken with a delightful blend of spices, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Perfectly Grilled: Grilling gives the chicken a smoky flavor and a beautiful char that enhances its taste.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.

Gather Your Ingredients

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

1 pound chicken tenders
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken tenders on the grill.
Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

My Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of your favorite herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the marinade.
If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook these tenders in a grill pan on the stove or bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.

What to Serve With It

Fresh garden salad
Grilled vegetables
Mashed potatoes
Homemade biscuits

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

A: Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts may take a bit longer to cook through.

The Heart of the Dish

This grilled chicken tenders recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring a piece of my childhood into my home. Each bite reminds me of those Sunday afternoons spent with family, sharing stories and laughter. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me.

Your Turn

I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own! Feel free to experiment with different spices or sides, and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!