Rustic meals have a way of wrapping you in comfort before you’ve even taken the first bite, and these Cracker Barrel–style chicken tenders do just that. They’re the kind of dish that smells like Sunday afternoons on the porch—warm, buttery, and just a touch sweet from the marinade. This recipe captures that old-fashioned, farmhouse flavor without a single deep fryer in sight. Each tender comes out juicy on the inside, golden on the outside, and full of that country-style love that makes you slow down and savor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients, Big Comfort: You only need pantry staples—chicken, honey, and a touch of soy sauce—but together, they create the kind of cozy flavor that feels like home-cooked nostalgia.
- Baked, Not Fried: Baking locks in the moisture while giving you that slightly caramelized glaze that sticks to your fingers and tastes better with every bite.
- Cracker Barrel–Inspired, Farmhouse Perfected: This version keeps the spirit of the classic restaurant favorite but tones down the salt and adds a homemade warmth that feels more personal.
- Kid-Approved and Family-Tested: Sweet, savory, and tender, it’s one of those dishes that disappears faster than you can pull it out of the oven.
- Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: It’s quick to assemble, easy to clean up, and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even cornbread straight from the skillet.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken breast strips
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Parchment paper or foil
- Basting brush
- Tongs
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken in Country Sweetness
Start by whisking together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large mixing bowl. The combination might remind you of an old family sauce recipe—sweet, savory, and slightly tangy. Add the chicken tenders and toss them well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours if you’ve got the time. This marinade seeps deep into the meat, giving every tender that signature golden flavor that made Cracker Barrel famous. Tip: If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s completely thawed so the marinade can absorb evenly.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet or shallow dish with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece so they brown instead of steam. Pour the remaining marinade right over the top—this liquid turns into a rich glaze as it bakes, so don’t waste a drop.
Step 3: Bake Until Tender and Golden
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 18–22 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the edges look slightly caramelized. The honey and soy sauce create a glaze that clings beautifully to each tender. Tip: For that extra “Cracker Barrel” look and feel, baste the chicken with the pan juices during the last 5 minutes of baking. This gives the surface a glossy sheen and a deeper flavor.
Step 4: Let Them Rest—Just Like Grandma Did
When you take the chicken out of the oven, don’t rush it. Let it rest for 5 minutes right on the pan. This little pause lets the juices settle back into the meat so each bite stays moist and flavorful. It’s a simple old farmhouse trick, but it makes all the difference in the world. As the tenders rest, the aroma of butter and honey fills the kitchen, creating that homey hum of comfort food memories.
Step 5: Serve with Classic Sides
Serve your Cracker Barrel–style chicken tenders with a drizzle of the leftover pan glaze and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. They’re heavenly with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted corn, or even buttered biscuits. If you want to go full farmhouse, serve them family-style in a big platter right at the table. Tip: Leftover tenders make incredible sandwiches the next day—just layer them between slices of bread with lettuce and a touch of mayo.
Tips and Tricks
Keep the Marinade Balanced
If you prefer more sweetness, add an extra tablespoon of honey. For a stronger savory kick, up the soy sauce slightly. The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to your family’s taste.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time
Letting the chicken rest after baking gives it a juicy tenderness that’s impossible to fake. This is one of those small, passed-down secrets that turns a good dish into a memorable one.
Try a Cast Iron Dish
For extra farmhouse authenticity, bake your tenders in a cast iron skillet. It holds heat evenly, caramelizes the glaze perfectly, and gives you that rustic presentation you’d find in a country kitchen.
Use Real Butter
This isn’t the time for margarine. Real butter brings a richness that can’t be replaced—it’s part of that down-home flavor that feels like something your grandmother would’ve used.
Store and Reheat with Care
These chicken tenders keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore that baked-on glaze and tender texture. Avoid the microwave if you can—it’ll steal the crisp edges you worked so hard for.
Recipe Variations
- Maple Dijon Tenders: Replace honey with maple syrup and add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard to the marinade for a tangy New England twist.
- Southern BBQ Version: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce to the marinade and brush more on as a glaze before baking.
- Garlic Herb Farmhouse Tenders: Skip the soy sauce and instead season with olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary for a savory country flavor.
- Spicy Honey Tenders: Stir in ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a touch of heat.
- Buttermilk Country Style: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before baking, then follow the recipe as written. It adds richness and an extra layer of tenderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes! These tenders grill beautifully over medium heat. Just make sure to oil the grates and grill for 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked. The honey glaze will caramelize quickly, giving them a smoky sweetness you’ll love.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The longer it soaks, the deeper the flavor. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Definitely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a wonderful substitute. They’re juicy and flavorful, and they hold up well to the honey glaze. You may need to bake them a few minutes longer due to their thickness.
What sides go best with this dish?
For that true Cracker Barrel feel, serve with mac and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, or warm biscuits. Mashed potatoes or a baked sweet potato also pair perfectly with the sweet-savory glaze.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
If you like your glaze more syrupy, pour the leftover pan juices into a small saucepan and simmer on medium heat for 2–3 minutes until reduced. Spoon it over the chicken just before serving for an extra-rich finish.
Summary
These Cracker Barrel–style chicken tenders bring the charm of country cooking right into your kitchen. They’re sweet, buttery, and glazed to perfection—everything you love about homestyle dining without the restaurant wait. Whether served at a family gathering or a quiet weeknight meal, this recipe feels like a warm hug from the farmhouse table.
Homemade Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders from the Farmhouse Oven
Course: Cooking4
servings10
minutes20
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1½ lbs chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken breast strips
¼ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp melted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp paprika
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, vinegar, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- Add chicken tenders and marinate 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer, pour marinade over top.
- Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with pan juices.
- Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.
