Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Tenders!

 

You won't believe how easy and delicious these "Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Tenders" are!  They are very similar to the Grilled Chicken Tenders on Cracker Barrel's menu, but I think these are even better!   This is one the whole family will love also!  These aren't actually 'grilled' as on the grill, but results give you sort of grilled effect. 

 Here is what you will need:

   

12 chicken tenderloins or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in 3 strips each

1 cup prepared Italian dressing (I used Olive Garden, use whatever you have on hand)

1/4 cup honey

juice of one lime

1 Tbs. minced garlic

seasoned salt

black pepper

 

If you are using the chicken breasts instead of the chicken tenderloins, cut each breast lengthwise in three even strips.  If they are really thick in the center, you might want to place between plastic wrap and flatten them out a little with a meat mallet.  This will make them more even like the tenderloins are. 

 

In a bowl, combine the Italian dressing, honey, lime juice and garlic.  Place the chicken in a gallon size Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over all.  Seal the bag and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour...2 is even better.  I don't like to leave it longer than 2 hours or the acid in the lime can start to change the texture of the chicken too much.

 

 In a large skillet over medium high heat, pour the chicken and all of the marinade in the pan. After they are in the pan, sprinkle each tenderloin with a little seasoned salt and black pepper.  Make sure your pan is big enough so you don't crowd them too tight.  This seems like a lot of liquid, but be patient it will reduce down.  Cook these on medium heat, uncovered.  Turn them every 7-10 minutes.

 

This is after about 20 minutes.  See how the liquid is reducing and they are starting to get some good color on them!

 

This is after about 35 minutes.  They need about another 10 minutes for a total of around 45 minutes. When all of the liquid has caramelized turn each one over really good in the glaze to coat and remove to a serving platter.

 

This is how they will look!  They are so full of flavor and delicious!

 

Serve them up and wait for the compliments!