Juicy, flavorful, and ready in minutes!
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken tenderloins
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½ cup Italian dressing (zesty variety recommended)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp fresh lime juice (or lemon juice for variation)
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1 tsp kosher salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Make the marinade
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In a large bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
2. Marinate chicken
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Add chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss well to coat.
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Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Preheat the air fryer
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Set to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray.
4. Cook
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Arrange marinated chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the basket.
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Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest & serve
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Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes & Variations
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For heat: Add cayenne pepper or a splash of sriracha to the marinade.
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For smokiness: Mix in smoked paprika.
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For extra crunch: Coat chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before air frying.
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Always use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
If you want, I can also give you a Copycat Cracker Barrel side dish list that pairs perfectly with these tenderloins so you can make a full restaurant-style meal at home. Would you like me to prepare that?