Juicy, golden, and packed with a tangy-sweet kick, these Cracker Barrel-style chicken tenders are a weeknight dinner win. Made effortlessly in the air fryer, they capture the comforting, nostalgic flavor of the restaurant favorite—without needing a deep fryer or a drive. The secret? A flavorful marinade of Italian dressing, lime juice, and honey that transforms simple chicken tenders into something far more memorable. Serve them hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce, or tuck them into wraps and salads for a versatile meal option.
The Marinade That Does It All
There’s no complex spice rub or long ingredient list here—just three familiar pantry staples. Yet when combined, they infuse the chicken with layered flavor and tenderness.
- Italian Dressing: This isn’t just a salad staple. Its blend of herbs, garlic, and vinegar brings both seasoning and acidity to the marinade, working double-duty as a flavor booster and tenderizer.
- Lime Juice: Bright and slightly tangy, lime cuts through the richness and balances the sweetness from the honey.
- Honey: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the savory dressing. It also helps the tenders caramelize slightly during cooking, especially when air-fried.
Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need
- Chicken Tenders (2 pounds): These cook quickly and remain moist. If you only have chicken breasts on hand, slice them into strips of similar thickness.
- Italian Dressing (1 cup): Use your favorite bottled brand, or go homemade for more control over flavor and sodium.
- Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): Fresh-squeezed is best for brightness, but bottled will work in a pinch.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Adds depth and gentle sweetness. Agave syrup or maple syrup are viable alternatives if you’re out of honey or want a vegan option.
Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, for a pop of color and mild herbal note.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step in the Kitchen
1. Mix the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, lime juice, and honey. It should smell zesty and slightly sweet. The dressing may separate a bit—just give it a quick whisk before using.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry using paper towels—this helps the marinade adhere better. Place them in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over, seal it up, and gently massage to coat each piece. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. An hour is better, but if you’re in a rush, even 20 minutes can make a difference.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Let it heat for a few minutes while you prepare the chicken. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this.
4. Arrange the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off—discard the used marinade. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or use parchment liners. Lay the tenders in a single layer without crowding them. You may need to cook in batches.
5. Air Fry Until Golden
Cook the chicken tenders for about 9–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be lightly browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If they brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly for the next batch.
6. Serve Hot
Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. These pair beautifully with honey mustard, ranch, or a squeeze of fresh lime.
Can I Use a Skillet Instead?
Absolutely. If you don’t have an air fryer, pan-sear the tenders in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get even browning.
Customization Ideas
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Low-sugar version: Use a sugar-free sweetener or skip the honey for a more savory profile.
- Gluten-free option: Ensure your Italian dressing is gluten-free, or make your own with oil, vinegar, and herbs.
Storing & Reheating
Leftover tenders keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also microwave them, though they’ll be softer.
These tenders also freeze beautifully. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 370°F for 10–12 minutes.
Leftover Ideas
- Wrap it up: Slice the tenders and tuck into a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
- Add to salad: Toss into a crisp green salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or vinaigrette.
- Mini sliders: Serve in small buns with pickles and slaw for quick chicken sandwiches.
This air fryer take on Cracker Barrel’s chicken tenders delivers satisfying flavor with less fuss and mess. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe strikes that rare balance between comfort food and practicality.
Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders Air Fryer
Ingredients
Ingredients for Chicken Tenders
- 2 pounds chicken tenders 12-14 tenders
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, lime juice, and honey until well combined. Set the mixture aside.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels (do not rinse) and place them in a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken tenders, seal the bag, and squeeze out as much air as possible. Gently massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- Preheat the air fryer. Once heated, arrange half of the chicken tenders in a single layer in the fryer basket, making sure they do not touch each other.
- Cook the chicken tenders for 2-3 minutes without moving them to allow them to brown. Then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with freshly minced parsley if desired.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for better flavor.
- Ensure the chicken tenders are in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
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