Craving that delicious, juicy grilled chicken tenderloin you get at Cracker Barrel? Well, you're in luck! This recipe brings those amazing flavors right to your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend barbecue. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this copycat recipe that captures the essence of Cracker Barrel's famous grilled chicken. This healthy meal is also a fantastic option for those looking for quick dinner ideas or delicious dishes that are easy on the budget.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar/lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
Get Started: Preparing the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is your breading station.
- In a separate shallow dish, pour the buttermilk.
- One by one, dip each chicken tenderloin into the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Next, dredge each buttermilk-soaked tenderloin in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well. Set aside.
Grilling Time: Achieving Perfection
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on your stovetop.
- Add olive oil and butter to the grill grates or grill pan. Let the butter melt and oil heat slightly.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken tenderloins on the hot grill. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
- Grill for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through. Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of your chicken tenderloins and the heat of your grill.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delicious grilled chicken tenderloins immediately. They are perfect on their own or alongside your favorite sides. Consider serving with mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy chicken: Double bread the chicken tenderloins by dipping them in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture for a little kick.
- Lemon-herb twist: Add some fresh lemon zest and chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Indoor grilling: If you don't have a grill, you can achieve similar results using a grill pan on your stovetop.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Cracker Barrel-inspired grilled chicken tenderloin recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the homemade cooking experience adds a special touch to any meal. Enjoy!