Craving that crispy, juicy taste of Cracker Barrel's famous chicken tenders but don't want to leave the house? This recipe brings those delicious flavors right to your kitchen! Forget complicated techniques and expensive ingredients; this is a quick, easy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this unbelievably simple and satisfying dish. It's one of those easy recipes that always delivers delicious results, making it a staple in our household for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for grilling
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- In a separate shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
Coating the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken strip into the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Then, dredge the buttermilk-coated chicken strip in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well. Repeat this process for all chicken strips. This double-dipping technique is key to achieving that extra crispy exterior!
The Grilling Process:
- Heat a lightly oiled grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the chicken strips on the hot grill, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Grilling in batches might be necessary depending on the size of your grill pan.
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestion:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
Tips for Success:
- For extra crispy chicken, let the breaded chicken strips sit for about 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before grilling. This allows the breading to set and helps prevent it from falling off.
- Don't overcrowd the grill pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy chicken tenders.
- Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of your chicken strips and the heat of your grill.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking. Adding cayenne pepper for a little kick or some dried herbs for a more herbaceous taste are both excellent options.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Substitute panko bread crumbs with a mixture of panko and grated parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Baked Chicken Tenders: For a healthier option, bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This homemade Cracker Barrel-inspired recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious, crispy chicken tenders without the hassle of dining out. It's a quick and easy recipe that provides a healthy and satisfying meal. Enjoy!