Here’s a delicious copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel-style Fried Chicken Tenders — juicy, flavorful, and golden crispy just like the ones at the restaurant. Perfect for dipping in honey mustard, ranch, or gravy!
🍗 Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders (Copycat)
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min
🕒 Marinate Time: 1 hour (recommended)
🕒 Cook Time: 10–12 min
🍽️ Serves: 4
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
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1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice as a substitute)
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Breading:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp pepper
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a mild kick)
For Frying:
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Vegetable oil (for pan-frying or deep-frying)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
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In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken tenders with buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Breading:
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In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne (if using).
3. Bread the Tenders:
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Remove chicken from marinade (shake off excess).
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Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly so it sticks well.
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Let them rest for 5 minutes on a rack (helps the coating stay on).
4. Fry:
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Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat (350°F if using a thermometer).
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Fry tenders in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F.
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Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with Cracker Barrel-style honey mustard, ranch, or white pepper gravy.
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Great with sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, fried okra, or coleslaw.
✅ Tips:
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Double-dip for extra crunch: dip the floured tenders back into buttermilk, then coat in flour again.
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For a lighter version, air fry or bake them at 400°F for 18–20 minutes (spray lightly with oil).