Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Salad
Making Cracker Barrel grilled chicken salad is easy to do, and you are rewarded with a delicious and healthy meal. Be sure to check out these easy step-by-step instructions and how you can make this simple and delicious dish anytime and anywhere.
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders are Simply Scrumptious
Using Cracker Barrel’s grilled chicken tenders to make a grilled chicken salad means you get to enjoy a healthy and delicious salad. Cracker Barrel grilled chicken tenders taste absolutely amazing and are surprisingly easy to make from scratch.
Marinated Grilled Chicken Tenders
The secret to amazing copycat Cracker Barrel grilled chicken tenders is in the marinating process. To enjoy delicious tenders, you will want to be sure to marinate them ahead of time to allow them to fully soak in the delicious goodness before grilling your chicken.
Once your chicken has been marinated and grilled, you are ready to assemble your delicious grilled chicken salad to enjoy.
Cracker Barrel The Southern Comfort Food
When you think of Cracker Barrel, you probably also think of southern comfort foods that Cracker Barrel serves.
There are many classic Cracker Barrel dishes that are sought after. Below are a few of the most common dishes sold at Cracker Barrel according to Cracker Barrel’s blog.
Top 10 Most Popular Cracker Barrel Menu Items
1. Momma’s Pancake Breakfast
2. Chicken n’ Dumplins’
3. Meatloaf
4. Grilled Chicken Tenders
5. Country Fried Steak
6. Roast Beef
7. Chicken Fried Chicken
8. Southern Fried Chicken
9. Grandma’s Sampler
10. Old Timer’s Breakfast
According to Cracker Barrel’s Blog
As you will notice most of Cracker Barrel’s popular menu items are comfort foods in the south.
However, Cracker Barrel also serves healthy items such as salads, which we’re excited to share with you today. But first, let’s look at Cracker Barrel’s salads that they currently have on the menu.
Cracker Barrel Salads On the Menu
Cracker Barrel currently has four salads on their menu. These salads include a chef salad, homestyle chicken salad, house salad, and country vegetable plate. You will notice that they currently do not have a grilled chicken salad on their menu.
We are excited to walk you through a copycat recipe for their grilled chicken salad which they used to serve, and that features their delicious grilled chicken tenderloins.
What Salads Are On the Cracker Barrel Menu?
1. Chef Salad
2. Homestyle Chicken Salad
3. House Salad
4. Country Vegetable Plate
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Salad
Cracker Barrel’s grilled chicken salad can contain many different vegetables and ingredients if you desire. We are going to walk you through a very basic recipe, that is like their homestyle chicken salad, only features grilled chicken instead.
Please keep in mind that because this is a salad, you can feel free to add, or subtract any ingredients that you might like to include, or that you would rather not eat.
Now, let’s look at what makes this copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel’s grilled chicken salad so delicious.
Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
Cracker Barrel grilled chicken is marinated in a delicious honey lime mixture. The chicken is marinated for several hours before grilling, which allows the chicken to pick up much of the delicious flavors included in the marinade.
This marinade is key to obtaining a delicious grilled chicken for you to add on top of your copycat Cracker Barrel grilled chicken salad. Now, let’s turn our attention to the ingredients you will need in order to make this amazing salad.
Recipe Ingredients
Below are the suggested ingredients you will need in order to make this copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel’s chicken salad. Please be sure to note that you may add or subtract ingredients as desired. Below is the list of our suggested ingredients:
Romaine lettuce
Hard-boiled egg
Cucumber
Cherry tomatoes
Grilled chicken
Lime juice
Italian dressing
Honey
Garlic salt
Olive oil
Colby Jack shredded cheese
Croutons
Dressing as desired
How to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken
Step by Step Directions
To begin making this delicious salad, you want to start with your grilled chicken. We recommend using chicken tenderloins for your grilled chicken if possible, however, if you are unable to find chicken tenderloins, chicken breast will work. However, they will not be quite as good as when you are using chicken tenders.
Start off by thawing out your chicken, then marinating it in a mixture of lime juice, Italian dressing, honey, garlic salt, and olive oil. Let the chicken sit in your marinade in the refrigerator for approximately one hour. Because your marinade contains the acid of lime juice, you will not want it to sit for an extended period of time.
After your chicken has marinated, grill your chicken over indirect heat, if possible, until the internal temperature of your chicken reaches 165°F. The amount of time it takes for your chicken to fully cook will vary depending upon the size of your chicken pieces.
Once your chicken has been grilled, remove from the heat and allow your chicken to cool. While your chicken is clean, wash then cut your vegetables and assemble your salad. Top with freshly grilled chicken, and desired dressing. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, and add your croutons. Serve right away and enjoy.
Recipe: Chicken Salad (like Cracker Barrel’s)
2 Servings
Ingredients
Chicken and Marmande
4 chicken tenderloins, thawed
1 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp Italian dressing
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp garlic salt, or to taste
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salad
4 cups Romaine lettuce, washed and cut
2 eggs, hard-boiled and sliced
½ cup cucumber, washed and sliced
12 cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
½ cup Colby Jack shredded cheese
16 croutons
Dressing as desired
Instructions
Step 1
If your chicken is not thawed, allow it to completely thaw before marinating. Once the chicken is thawed, add it to a bowl, or plastic storage bag along with lime juice, Italian dressing, honey, garlic salt, and olive oil. Place in the refrigerator and allow to marinate for one hour.
Step 2
After the chicken has marinated, remove the chicken from the marinade, and place it onto your grill or a griddle. If possible, cook the chicken over indirect heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from your heat and set it aside.
Step 3
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to assemble your salad. Wash and slice all of your vegetables, and create a bed of lettuce, topped with sliced hard-boiled eggs, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and croutons. Add your grilled chicken while it is still warm, and top with your desired dressing. Serve right away and enjoy.
Notes
Please note that your grilled chicken salad may be served while the chicken is hot, or after it has cooled. If you intend to serve with cold chicken, the chicken should be refrigerated after it has been grilled.
If you want the chicken to still be warm, place your freshly grilled chicken on top of your prepared salad and serve right away. Avoid allowing the chicken to sit at room temperature for an extended amount of time so that it does not go bad.
Nutrition
The estimated the nutritional facts for the above recipe are based on the assumption that the above recipe contains approximately two servings. The above recipe is estimated to contain approximately 607 calories per serving. It is also estimated to contain approximately 27.5 g total fat, 260 mg cholesterol, 515 mg sodium, 46.6 g total carbohydrates, and 52.6 g of protein per serving.
Southern Chicken Salad
There is nothing quite as delightful as Southern-style chicken salad. Cracker Barrel recipe for chicken salad is very simple to make at home, and you are rewarded with the delicious southern-like taste. Our copycat recipe is easy and delicious to do with grilled chicken, but you can also do this with homestyle chicken as well.
Homestyle Chicken Salad
You can easily make a delicious homestyle chicken salad using an easy recipe of baked chicken dipped in an egg and milk mixture then breaded and crushed Ritz crackers. To do this, you will want to prepare an egg, and approximately a half cup of milk and whisk them together.
Then, take your Ritz crackers and crush them up and place them in a separate bowl. Next, take your chicken tenders, dip them first into the milk and egg mixture, then dip them into the Ritz crackers.
Place your chicken tenders on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with seasonings such as garlic powder onion powder black pepper, and your favorite chicken seasonings. Bake at 375°F for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of your chicken reaches 165°F.
Remove from the oven and place your baked chicken on top of your prepared salad. Then serve and enjoy your homestyle chicken salad.
Grilled or Fried?
Deciding between grilled and fried chicken is a tough choice. If you are looking for a healthier option, grilled chicken is definitely the way to go. However, if you like the extra crunch, you can try fried chicken on top of your chicken salad instead.
Recipe Tips
The main tip when making our copycat Cracker Barrel grilled chicken salad is to marinate your chicken, however, don’t let your chicken marinate for longer than one hour since the marinade contains lime juice. After your marinade time has finished, you are good to grill your chicken, then assemble your salad, and serve.
Tips for How to Cook Chicken
The best way to cook chicken for your grilled chicken salad is to grill it over medium to low heat, and over indirect heat. If you are unable to cook your chicken over indirect heat, you’ll want to use a lower temperature on your grill so that the chicken does not burn.
If you are unable to use a grill, you may also cook your chicken using a cast-iron skillet, which will give you a similar effect as grilling. You may also use a griddle to cook your chicken if you do not have access to a grill.
Why a Chicken Breast Isn’t the Same as a Chicken Tenderloin
There is actually a difference between chicken breast and chicken tenderloins. While a chicken breast refers to the whole chunk of meat, chicken tenderloins refer to strips of white meat that are found near either side of a chicken breastbone.
The chicken tenders are often thought to be a more tender portion of meat compared to breast meat. However, because chicken tenders are often thought of being more desirable, they also usually cost more than breast meat. It is not a requirement that you use chicken tenderloin for this chicken salad, you may use chicken breast if preferred.
Recipe Variations
There are several different recipe variations when it comes to chicken salad. There are different ways you can make copycat Cracker Barrel chicken salad, as well as different ways the chicken can be prepared. Below are a few of the more popular recipe variations for Cracker Barrel’s grilled chicken salad.
Copycat Cracker Barrel’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Another copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel’s chicken salad may be interpreted as a chicken salad on top of a bed of lettuce. This is when you prepare grilled chicken with a mixture of mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and any other desired ingredients such as celery, or Craisins on top of a bed of lettuce before serving.
Best Ever Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Tenders
Grilled chicken tenders can be made in a way that is a copycat version of Cracker Barrel’s grilled chicken tenders by simply marinating chicken tenders in a mixture of lime juice, honey, Italian dressing, garlic salt, and olive oil. Marinate the tenders for one hour in the refrigerator before grilling until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can then enjoy the freshly grilled chicken tenders any way you wish.
Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins
You can also prepare grilled chicken tenderloins using your air fryer. Please keep in mind that the instructions may vary depending upon your specific type of air fryer. Instructions for preparing chicken tenders in the air fryer are going to be similar to the above recipe for grilled chicken.
To begin, you will want to prepare your marinade and allow your chicken and the steak in the marinade in the refrigerator for an hour. After they have marinated, remove your chicken tenders from the bowl, and spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Place your chicken tenders into the air fryer basket, an air fryer at 400°F, for approximately 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of your tenderloins reaches 165°F. Please note that the air frying time may vary depending upon the size of your chicken tenders.
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe with Corn Relish
You may also desire to serve your grilled chicken salad recipe alongside corn relish. To make corn relish, you’ll want to begin by taking two ears of sweet corn, and removing the corn off of your cob. Then add in a jar of pimentos, chowchow relish, apple cider vinegar, parsley, garlic salt, and black pepper. Next together, then serve alongside your grilled chicken salad.
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe with Fresh Vegetables
We have included our suggested vegetables for our copycat Cracker Barrel grilled chicken salad above. However, you may want to spice things up by changing or adding additional fresh vegetables to your salad.
One of the great things about making your own salad is that you can adapt it to be your very own recipe. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite veggies to this delicious salad.
FAQS
How should I store leftover tenders?
The best way to store any leftover chicken is to place it into an airtight container, or seal it in a storage bag and place it into the refrigerator. Your chicken should be kept in the refrigerator after it has been cooked for no more than three days.
How do you reheat chicken tenders without drying them out?
Reheating chicken tenders without drying them out can be tricky. The best way to reheat chicken tenders is by placing them into your oven, or air fryer. To do this, preheat your oven to 350°F, place your chicken tenders onto a baking dish, brush with oil if desired. Bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are warm. Remove and serve right away.
Can I freeze cooked chicken?
Yes, you may freeze cooked chicken if desired. To do this, you’ll want to transfer your cooked chicken to a sealable freezer bag, or airtight storage container. Then place into the freezer for no more than three months. Or, according to foodsafety.gov, chicken may last up to nine months in the freezer.
Is there a Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloin recipe?
Yes, we have included our copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel’s chicken tenderloins in the recipe for the salad above.
What kind of salad is at Cracker Barrel?
The types of salad available at Cracker Barrel may vary depending upon your location. There are currently four salads available at Cracker Barrel, including the chef salad, homestyle chicken salad, house salad, and country vegetable plate.
What dressings go best with a chicken salad?
The type of dressing you choose to use on your grilled chicken salad is entirely up to you. You can choose to use any kind of dressing from a ranch, to Italian, to vinaigrette, really any type works well depending upon your specific likings.
Can I use my chicken salad to make a sandwich?
Yes, you can use any leftover grilled chicken to make a sandwich or to make a chicken salad sandwich. Both are delicious.
Can I make this chicken salad ahead?
Yes, chicken salad may be made in advance if desired. However, you want to be careful to not make it too far in advance so that your lettuce does not turn brown, and your chicken does not go bad. We recommend storing your prepared chicken salad in the refrigerator and serving cold. You may also warm your chicken before serving if desired.
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Salad
There are many different things you can serve with grilled chicken salad. One of our favorite side dishes is to serve bread alongside the grilled chicken salad. However, you may also choose to serve a grilled chicken salad with fresh sweet corn, squash, or biscuit. It’s very difficult to go wrong when choosing a side dish to serve with your copycat Cracker Barrel grilled chicken salad.
Recipe for Cracker Barrel’s Grilled Chicken Salad
Our copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel grilled chicken salad is easy to prepare, and you are rewarded with a delicious taste that reminds you of the sweet southern flavors of Cracker Barrel. The salad only requires a few ingredients and allows you to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.
Down-Home Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipes
Out copycat recipe for Cracker Barrel’s grilled chicken salad allows you to enjoy both the down-home flavor and enjoy a healthy meal at the same time. It’s hard to go wrong when you have both of these going for you.
Copycat Cracker Barrel’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Making copycat Cracker Barrel’s grilled chicken salad recipe is easy, fast, healthy, and tastes delicious. This tasty recipe allows you to enjoy the down-home country cooking anytime, and anywhere. Be sure to give this salad recipe a try today, and let us know what you think!
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Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Chicken and Marmande
- 4 chicken tenderloins thawed
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 Tbsp Italian dressing
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic salt or to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Salad
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce washed and cut
- 2 eggs hard-boiled and sliced
- ½ cup cucumber washed and sliced
- 12 cherry tomatoes washed and dried
- ½ cup Colby Jack shredded cheese
- 16 croutons
- Dressing as desired
Instructions
- If your chicken is not thawed, allow it to completely thaw before marinating. Once the chicken is thawed, add it to a bowl, or plastic storage bag along with lime juice, Italian dressing, honey, garlic salt, and olive oil. Place in the refrigerator and allow to marinate for one hour.
- After the chicken has marinated, remove the chicken from the marinade, and place it onto your grill or a griddle. If possible, cook the chicken over indirect heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from your heat and set it aside.
- While the chicken is going, it’s time to assemble your salad. Wash and slice all of your vegetables, and create a bed of lettuce, topped with sliced hard-boiled eggs, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and croutons. Add your grilled chicken while it is still warm, and top with your desired dressing. Serve right away and enjoy.
