Name: Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders (Copycat Recipe!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Zesty Italian dressing; 1 tbsp golden honey; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 lb chicken tenderloins

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Craving that juicy, savory, homestyle goodness of Cracker Barrel’s famous grilled chicken tenderloins but don’t want to leave the house? What if you could get that same mouthwatering flavor in a healthier, quicker version right from your own kitchen? This Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Copycat Grilled Chicken Tenderloins recipe is your answer. Using a simple yet flavor-packed marinade and the magic of the air fryer, you can achieve perfectly moist, tender chicken with those signature grilled marks in under 15 minutes of cooking time. This delicious copycat recipe delivers all the nostalgic comfort of the restaurant favorite with less oil and less fuss, making it a perfect weeknight dinner hero. The combination of zesty Italian dressing, sweet honey, and tangy lime juice creates a marinade that infuses every bite with incredible flavor, while the air fryer ensures a tender interior and a beautifully seared exterior.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Flavor-Packed Marinade
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Step 6: Let It Rest

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Q2. I don’t have an air fryer. Can I make this on the grill or stovetop?
Q3. What is the white tendon in a chicken tenderloin, and should I remove it?
Q4. Can I prepare the marinade and chicken ahead of time?

Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders (Copycat Recipe!)

Description
Ingredients

Marinade
Chicken

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Chicken tenderloins	1 pound
Zesty Italian dressing	1/4 cup
Golden honey	1 tablespoon
Fresh lime juice	1 tablespoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Fine sea salt	1/2 teaspoon
Freshly ground black pepper	1/2 teaspoon

Timing

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This lightning-fast recipe is quicker than waiting for a table at the restaurant, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying and speedy family meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until they are fully combined into a smooth marinade. This simple blend is the secret to capturing that authentic Cracker Barrel taste.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken tenderloins in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every tenderloin is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Tip: For an even deeper flavor infusion, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours, but avoid marinating longer as the lime juice can start to “cook” the chicken and affect the texture.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is crucial for getting a great “grilled” sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Tip: If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it empty at 400°F for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, so cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Cook the chicken tenderloins for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through, no longer pink inside, and has a beautiful golden-brown, grilled appearance. Tip: For guaranteed perfect results, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes before serving. This simple step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate per serving, based on the recipe yielding 4 servings.

Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fat: 9 g
Sodium: 580 mg

This recipe is a fantastic source of lean protein, making it a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Healthier Alternatives

Lower Sodium: Use a low-sodium Italian dressing or make your own from scratch using olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herbs to control the salt content.
Sugar-Free: Swap the honey for a sugar-free maple syrup or a few drops of liquid stevia for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
DIY Dressing: For the healthiest marinade, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and your favorite dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley.
Add Veggies: Add some sliced bell peppers and onions to the air fryer basket alongside the chicken during the last 5-6 minutes of cooking for a complete, one-pan meal.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile chicken tenders are a fantastic centerpiece for a homestyle meal.

Classic Cracker Barrel Plate: Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and hashbrown casserole for the full restaurant experience at home.
On a Salad: Slice the cooked tenders and serve them warm over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite veggies and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a hearty and healthy salad.
In a Wrap or Sandwich: Tuck the tenders into a warm tortilla or a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of mayonnaise for a quick and easy lunch.
Meal Prep Powerhouse: Cook a batch at the beginning of the week and use them for quick meals. They are delicious cold or reheated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Piling the chicken tenders on top of each other will cause them to steam instead of “grill,” resulting in pale, soggy chicken. Solution: Cook in a single layer, working in batches if your air fryer is small.
Skipping the Marinade Time: The marinade is where all the flavor comes from. Skipping this step will result in bland chicken. Solution: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least the minimum 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Not Flipping the Chicken: Forgetting to flip the tenders halfway through cooking will lead to one side being perfectly grilled while the other is pale. Solution: Set a timer to remind you to flip them for even cooking and browning on both sides.
Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken tenderloins are small and cook very quickly. Overcooking them will lead to dry, tough meat. Solution: Start checking for doneness at the 8-minute mark. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F without going much over.

Storing Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the tenders back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This will help them crisp up again. You can also microwave them, but they will lose their crispy exterior.
Freezing: These tenders freeze beautifully. Place the cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Copycat Grilled Chicken Tenderloins recipe is proof that you can enjoy your favorite restaurant meals at home in a healthier, faster, and more convenient way. The simple marinade penetrates the chicken to deliver that signature tangy and sweet flavor, while the air fryer locks in moisture for incredibly tender results every time. It’s a game-changing recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep, or any time you’re craving a comforting, homestyle meal without the guilt.

We can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Give it a go and let us know in the comments how much your family loved it. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and delicious copycat recipes.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can. If using chicken breasts, it’s best to slice them into even, ½-inch thick strips to ensure they cook quickly and evenly, similar to tenderloins. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Q2. I don’t have an air fryer. Can I make this on the grill or stovetop?

Absolutely! For a grill, cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. For the stovetop, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Q3. What is the white tendon in a chicken tenderloin, and should I remove it?

That white stringy piece is a tendon that runs through the tenderloin. While it’s perfectly edible, some people find its texture chewy. You can leave it in or easily remove it by holding the end of the tendon with a paper towel and sliding a fork along it to pull it out.

Q4. Can I prepare the marinade and chicken ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great recipe for prepping. You can place the chicken and marinade in a sealed bag in the morning, and it will be perfectly flavored and ready to cook for dinner. Just be sure not to marinate for more than 4 hours due to the lime juice.