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–+ servings
Cracker barrel grilled chicken copycat recipe
Pamela Dunlap

Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Recipe

When planning a meal around Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken, think about sides that enhance the dish without overshadowing it.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup Italian dressing such as Olive Garden brand
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice bottled or fresh
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder for added savory depth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped (adds a fresh, citrusy note)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • Grill

Method
 

  1. Start by placing the chicken tenderloins in a large mixing bowl. Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken. Add the honey, lime juice, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, consider letting it marinate for a few hours.
  2. While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using charcoal, let the coals turn to ash, ensuring an even heat. For gas grills, allow it to heat up for about 10 minutes.
  3. Once the grill is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill grates. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken remains juicy and cooked through.
  4. After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Then, serve alongside your favorite sides!

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSugar: 6g

Notes

  • Uniform Chicken Pieces – Use pieces of similar size for even cooking. Tenderloins work great, but chicken breasts can also be used.
  • Don’t Skip the Marinade – Even a brief marinating time can significantly improve flavor. Longer is often better!
  • Keep the Grill Lid Closed – This helps retain heat and cook the chicken evenly.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer – This ensures your chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
  • Experiment with Ingredients – Feel free to add different spices or herbs to the marinade. The possibilities are endless!

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