Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders Recipe for Crispy Golden Perfection

Susan WhitakerBy Susan Whitaker Updated on

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders deliver that beloved restaurant experience right in the comfort of home, capturing the same satisfying crunch and flavor families have enjoyed for years.

There's something special about recreating a favorite meal that usually requires a road trip and a wait for a table.

Golden, crispy, and perfectly seasoned, they hit the spot whether served as a main course or sliced up for salads and wraps throughout the week.

Kids request them constantly, and adults find themselves sneaking extras before they even make it to the table.

The satisfaction of biting through that crunchy coating is matched only by knowing you made it happen in less time than driving to the nearest location.

Serving up a platter means smiles all around and the kind of meal that delivers everyone together without fuss or stress.

Why You’ll Love Copycat Chicken Tenders

  • Foolproof Flavor Boost: Buttermilk marinade transforms simple chicken into something super tender and packed with taste your whole family will crave.
  • Super Simple Coating: The seasoned flour mixture creates a perfectly crispy exterior that makes these tenders way more exciting than basic fried chicken.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These copycat restaurant-style tenders are guaranteed to make everyone at the dinner table happy, from picky kids to hungry adults.
  • Weeknight Dinner Hero: With just a few basic ingredients from your pantry, you can skip the takeout and serve a delicious homemade meal that feels like a treat.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tender Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Tenders (1 lb): Fresh, tender strips of chicken that will create a delicious crispy coating.
Marinade:
  • Buttermilk (1 cup): Helps tenderize the chicken and creates a tangy, moist base for the breading.
Breading Mixture:
  • All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The base for creating a crispy, golden exterior on your chicken tenders.
  • Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a warm, slightly sweet color and subtle flavor to the breading.
  • Garlic Powder (1 tsp), Onion Powder (1 tsp): These seasonings provide a deep, savory background taste that makes the chicken irresistible.
Seasoning:
  • Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors in the chicken tenders.
  • Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Gives a mild, sharp kick to the overall seasoning.
Cooking Fat:
  • Vegetable Oil (as needed for frying): Used to create a perfectly crispy golden-brown exterior on the chicken tenders.

What Frying Tools Are Needed for Chicken Tenders?

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken tenders in buttermilk, giving your chicken that signature tender texture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for getting the right balance of flour and spices for your crispy coating.
  • Cast Iron Skillet or Deep Frying Pan (10-12 inches): Delivers that perfect golden-brown crunch when frying your chicken tenders.
  • Tongs: Helps safely flip and remove chicken from hot oil without splashing.
  • Paper Towels: Crucial for draining excess oil and keeping your tenders crisp instead of greasy.
  • Cutting Board: Handy for prepping and handling raw chicken safely.
  • Shallow Dish: Great for coating chicken in seasoned flour mixture before frying.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide for Copycat Chicken Tenders

1

Buttermilk Bath

Grab those chicken tenders and submerge them completely in buttermilk. Let them hang out and get super tender for a solid hour in the refrigerator. This helps make them incredibly juicy.

2

Seasoning Station

Create your crispy coating by mixing dry ingredients in a wide, shallow bowl:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Whisk everything together until it’s perfectly combined.

3

Prep the Skillet

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, filling about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil to 350°F over medium heat. Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature precisely.

4

Coat and Dredge

Pull each buttermilk-soaked tender out and let excess liquid drip off. Roll the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure every inch gets a perfect crispy coating.

5

Frying Time

Carefully place coated tenders into the hot oil. Cook for exactly 5-6 minutes on the first side until deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 5-6 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

6

Drain and Serve

Transfer hot tenders onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while they’re super crisp and warm.

Easy Tips for Crispy Chicken Tenders

  • Soak your chicken tenders in buttermilk for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion before cooking.
  • Mix your dry ingredients thoroughly to create a perfectly balanced, flavorful coating that clings to every inch of chicken.
  • Check your oil’s heat with a small flour sprinkle – it should sizzle instantly to guarantee crispy, not greasy, tenders.
  • Shake off excess buttermilk before dredging, ensuring a light, even layer of seasoned flour covers your chicken completely.
  • Let your freshly fried tenders rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil and keep that incredible crunch intact.

How Can Cracker Barrel Style Chicken Tenders Be Swapped

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap wheat flour with a mix of rice flour and cornstarch for a crispy coating that works perfectly for your gluten-sensitive friends.
  • Spicy Kick Edition: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade to give your chicken tenders an extra spicy punch that’ll wake up your taste buds.
  • Baked Healthier Alternative: Skip the frying and place breaded tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet, then bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp for a lighter meal.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the flour mixture to add a fresh, aromatic layer of flavor that makes your chicken tenders feel gourmet.

How to Serve Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

  • Perfect Portion Sizing: Serve 2-3 tenders per person as a satisfying main dish that keeps everyone happy at the dinner table.
  • Easy Dipping Companions: Grab some honey mustard or ranch dressing for creating delicious dunking moments with your crispy chicken.
  • Side Dish Harmony: Pair these golden tenders with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh coleslaw to complete your comfort food feast.
  • Temperature Tip: Serve these tenders right away while they’re super crunchy and warm for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

How to Store Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders

  • Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them crisp by placing a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture.
  • Reheat your tenders in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain their crunch, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.
  • Freeze uncooked breaded tenders by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, where they’ll keep for about a month.
  • When ready to cook frozen tenders, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frying for the best texture and even cooking.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders FAQs

FAQ

Why buttermilk for marinating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor that makes your tenders extra delicious. The acid breaks down proteins, creating a more tender bite.

FAQ

Can bread crumbs replace flour?

Regular flour creates a crispier coating compared to bread crumbs. Stick with the flour mixture for that classic Cracker Barrel texture.

FAQ

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute that works perfectly.

FAQ

How do I know the oil is hot enough?

Drop a tiny bit of flour into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, your oil is ready for frying.

FAQ

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Baking works, but won’t give the same crispy exterior. Spray the coated tenders with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQ

Are chicken tenders the same as chicken breast?

Chicken tenders are a specific cut from under the breast. If using chicken breast, slice into thin strips for the best results.

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Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10-12 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders bring crispy, golden memories straight to your dinner table. Tender chicken strips coated in a perfectly seasoned breading make this classic comfort meal a family favorite you’ll want to recreate again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Breading:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Cooking:

  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Submerge 1 pound chicken tenders in 1 cup buttermilk. Refrigerate for 60 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
  2. Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add ½ teaspoon black pepper to the dry mixture.
  3. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, filling about ½ inch deep. Heat to 350°F, creating a consistent sizzling surface.
  4. Lift chicken from buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off. Roll each tender thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Carefully lower coated tenders into hot oil, maintaining a single layer without overcrowding. Fry for 5-6 minutes on first side until golden brown.
  6. Flip tenders gently, cooking an additional 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior looks crispy and amber.
  7. Transfer tenders onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to preserve crispiness.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight for deeper flavor and extra tenderness.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for the most even and crispy coating when frying.
  • Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure the chicken is safely cooked through.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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