Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders

Craving that crispy, golden goodness from Cracker Barrel? These Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food—juicy on the inside, perfectly seasoned, and fried to crunchy perfection. Whether you’re recreating a Southern-style dinner or just want a nostalgic bite, this copycat Cracker Barrel recipe brings the homestyle flavor straight to your kitchen!

Cracker Barrel’s fried chicken tenders are a Southern classic—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor in every bite.

This easy copycat recipe brings that down-home taste right to your kitchen, using simple ingredients like buttermilk, seasoned flour, and perfectly fried chicken strips.

Whether you’re serving them up with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or a side of honey mustard, these tenders are sure to be a hit with the whole family. It’s comfort food at its best—crispy, savory, and totally irresistible!

Why You Will Love Cracker Barrel’s Deep Fried Chicken Tenders 

• Crispy Perfection – Each tender is fried to golden, crunchy perfection with a seasoned coating that delivers the ultimate bite every time.
• Juicy & Flavorful – Marinated for maximum tenderness, these chicken strips are bursting with juicy, savory flavor from the inside out.
• Classic Southern Comfort – They capture that signature Cracker Barrel homestyle taste, bringing cozy, nostalgic vibes to any meal.
• Easy to Make at Home – This copycat recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, so you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen.
• Family Favorite – Whether it’s dinner, game day, or a weekend treat, everyone—from picky eaters to fried chicken fans—will devour these tasty tenders!

Cracker Barrel’s Deep Fried Chicken Tenders Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken tenders – Tender, juicy chicken strips perfect for air frying.
• Buttermilk – Adds tangy flavor and tenderizes the chicken.
• All-purpose flour – Creates a crispy, golden coating when fried.
• Salt – Enhances overall flavor and seasoning of tenders.
• Black pepper – Adds mild heat and depth to the breading.
• Garlic powder – Infuses a warm, savory flavor into coating.
• Onion powder – Provides subtle sweetness and rich, savory taste.
• Smoked paprika – Adds smoky depth and color to crust.

How to Make This Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 3: Remove the tenders from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.

Step 4: Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F and allow it to preheat.

Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly as well.

Step 6: Set cook time for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and fully cooked inside.

Step 7: Let the chicken tenders cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious, Cracker Barrel-inspired meal!

Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe Tips

• Marinate for Flavor – Allow the chicken tenders to marinate in buttermilk for at least 1 hour. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with flavor, making the tenders juicy.
• Double Coat for Extra Crispy – For an extra crispy texture, dip the chicken tenders back into the buttermilk after the first flour coating and then coat them again with the flour mixture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Make sure to arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisping. Overcrowding can result in unevenly cooked tenders.
• Use Cooking Spray – Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before and after placing them in the air fryer. This helps create a beautiful golden-brown, crispy crust.
• Adjust Cooking Time – Depending on the size and thickness of your chicken tenders, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Thicker tenders may need a little longer to cook through.
• Check Internal Temperature – For perfectly cooked chicken tenders, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness.
• Serve Immediately – Fried chicken tenders are best served fresh and hot. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue for the perfect finishing touch!

Storing

• Storing: Store leftover Cracker Barrel fried chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture.
• Freezing: To freeze, place cooked tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken tenders in an air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through.

What To Serve With Fried Chicken Tenders Cracker Barrel Recipe

When serving Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders, it’s essential to complement their crispy, flavorful crunch with sides that balance both texture and taste.

Popular choices include creamy mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a comforting, classic touch. For a fresh contrast, a side of green beans or corn on the cob works wonderfully, offering a burst of color and flavor.

Additionally, serving them with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue elevates the experience. Pairing with a warm biscuit or cornbread adds a satisfying carb element, rounding out this Southern-inspired meal.

Fried Chicken Tenders Cracker Barrel Recipe Faqs

What makes Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders so crispy? The secret to the crispy texture lies in the double-breading process. The chicken tenders are first dipped in a seasoned flour mixture, then coated in a buttermilk mixture before being dredged in the flour again. This creates a thicker crust that fries up perfectly crunchy.

Can I make Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders ahead of time? While fried chicken tenders are best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and breading ahead of time. Just refrigerate the coated tenders until you’re ready to fry. If you need to store cooked tenders, you can reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of air frying them? While air frying gives the tenders their signature crispy coating, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. To get a golden brown texture, spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips, but tenders are usually preferred for their tenderness and size. Make sure to adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.

What is the best way to season Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken Tenders? Cracker Barrel’s fried chicken tenders are seasoned with a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in the flour coating. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference, adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

Do you love Cracker Barrel? Try these copycat recipes!

• cracker barrel carrot recipe
• cracker barrel cinnamon roll pie
• air fryer cracker barrel macaroni and cheese
• broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat)
• air fryer cracker barrel’s buttermilk biscuits
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel fried apples
• air fryer copycat cracker barrel grilled chicken tenders

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Follow me on Instagram @forktospoon, Facebook at Fork To Spoon TikTok @forktospoon or Pinterest at @forktospoon and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.