Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my obsession with these copycat Cracker Barrel chicken tenders! They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just like the ones we all love from the restaurant. I’ve been making these at home for years, and trust me, they’re just as delicious—if not better! The best part? You can whip them up with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk makes them tender and flavorful, and the coating gives you that perfect crunch. Whenever I serve these, everyone is raving about how amazing they are! So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders – These are the stars of the dish! Look for fresh, tender pieces for the best flavor.
- 1 cup buttermilk – This is the secret to super juicy chicken! It helps tenderize the meat and adds a slight tang.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This will create that delicious crispy coating that we all crave.
- 1 tsp paprika – Adds a lovely depth of flavor and a hint of color to the coating.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Because who doesn’t love a little garlic kick?
- 1 tsp onion powder – It complements the garlic and adds another layer of flavor.
- 1 tsp salt – Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Just enough to give it a little heat without overpowering the dish.
- Vegetable oil for frying – You’ll need enough oil to generously coat the bottom of your skillet for frying.
How to Prepare Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these delicious chicken tenders! I promise, it’s super simple and totally worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying your own homemade version in no time!
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, you’ll want to marinate the chicken tenders in that magical buttermilk. This is crucial for keeping them juicy and tender! Just toss the chicken into a bowl or a zip-top bag and pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. Make sure they’re well coated, and let them hang out in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you can manage to wait longer, even better! This really infuses the chicken with flavor.
Preparing the Coating
While your chicken is soaking up all that goodness, let’s whip up the coating! In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix it all together until it’s evenly blended. This mix is where the magic happens, creating that delicious crispy exterior we all love!
Frying the Chicken
Now, it’s frying time! Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep should do it. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a pinch of flour—if it sizzles, you’re good to go), take the chicken out of the buttermilk and coat each tender in the flour mixture, making sure they’re fully covered. Fry the chicken tenders for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this part; let them get nice and crispy! Once they’re done, drain them on a paper towel to catch any excess oil, and voila—you’ve got homemade chicken tenders that rival the restaurant version!
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, here are some golden nuggets of wisdom to ensure your copycat Cracker Barrel chicken tenders come out absolutely perfect every single time!
- Oil Temperature: This is key! Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If it’s too cool, your tenders will soak up oil and become greasy instead of crispy. Aim for around 350°F (175°C). A little test? Drop in a small piece of the coating; if it sizzles right away, you’re ready!
- Don’t Rush the Marinating: I know an hour might feel like forever, but trust me, the longer you let the chicken marinate in buttermilk, the more tender and flavorful it becomes. If you can, let it sit overnight—your taste buds will thank you!
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to get creative! If you want a little heat, toss some cayenne pepper into the flour mixture. You could also experiment with different spices like dried thyme or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist!
- Batch Frying: Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Fry in batches if needed. This ensures each tender gets enough space to cook evenly and achieve that delightful crunch.
- Drain Well: After frying, make sure to drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil. This little step makes a big difference in keeping them crispy!
With these handy tips in your back pocket, I just know your chicken tenders will turn out restaurant-quality every time you whip them up. Happy frying!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these delicious copycat Cracker Barrel chicken tenders. Keep in mind, these values are based on typical ingredients and methods of preparation, so they might vary a bit depending on how you make them.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 20g
With this hearty nutritional profile, these chicken tenders make for a satisfying meal that won’t break the calorie bank. Enjoy them guilt-free and feel good about what you’re eating!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these tasty chicken tenders ready in no time!
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: These tenders taste just like those beloved Cracker Barrel ones—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the spices or add your favorite seasonings for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these tenders are always a hit.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these! They’re perfect for dipping and sharing.
- Leftover Friendly: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), they’re delicious reheated or even cold.
- Budget-Friendly: Using chicken tenders and pantry staples means you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Absolutely, you can use frozen chicken tenders! Just keep in mind that you’ll need to thaw them first for the best results. I recommend letting them sit in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re in a hurry. Once they’re thawed, pat them dry before marinating in buttermilk, just like you would with fresh tenders. This way, they’ll soak up all that flavor and tenderness!
What dipping sauces pair well?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can’t go wrong with classic ranch dressing or honey mustard—those are always crowd-pleasers! If you’re feeling adventurous, try BBQ sauce for a smoky kick or a spicy buffalo sauce if you like a bit of heat. A tangy sweet and sour sauce also complements the crispy chicken perfectly. Honestly, whatever your favorite sauce is, it’ll likely be delicious with these tenders!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just place the chicken tenders in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep that crispy texture. You can also use an air fryer if you have one—just a few minutes at a low temperature will work wonders! Avoid microwaving, as that can make them soggy. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious copycat Cracker Barrel chicken tenders ready to go, let’s talk about the perfect sides to complement this mouthwatering main dish! These tenders are so versatile, and pairing them with the right sides can take your meal to the next level!
- Coleslaw: A classic side that adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken. The creamy dressing pairs beautifully with the flavors of the tenders.
- Mashed Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with some fluffy mashed potatoes, especially with a drizzle of gravy! It’s like a warm hug on your plate.
- Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are a must! They’re perfect for sopping up any sauce or gravy and make for a comforting addition to your meal.
- Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans add a pop of color and a healthy crunch. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!
- Macaroni and Cheese: For a little indulgence, creamy mac and cheese is always a hit! It’s cheesy, comforting, and pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob is a fun side that brings a touch of summer to your table. Just slather it with some butter, and you’re set!
With these tasty sides, your copycat Cracker Barrel chicken tenders will shine even brighter, making for a satisfying and complete meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your feast!
Print
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders: 7 Crispy Secrets
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. You can enjoy them at home with this easy recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat in flour mixture.
- Fry chicken tenders for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: copycat cracker barrel chicken tenders
