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Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders Recipe

A pile of crispy, golden brown Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders stacked high on a white plate, one is broken open showing white meat.
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Make the famous, crispy, savory chicken tenders from Cracker Barrel right in your home kitchen. This recipe delivers the signature texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken strips in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk for the wet mixture.
  2. Mix the dry breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then, press the strip firmly into the dry breading mixture, coating completely. Press the breading onto the chicken to help it adhere.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  5. Fry the tenders: Carefully place 4 to 5 tenders into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
  6. Drain: Remove the cooked tenders with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like homemade honey mustard.

Notes

  • For oven-baked tenders: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  • For air fryer Cracker Barrel tenders: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the coated tenders with oil. Cook in a single layer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • To make a simple honey mustard dipping sauce, mix 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/cracker-barrel-chicken-tenders-recipe/