Cracker Barrel Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken

This Cracker Barrel copycat recipe makes juicy, smoky grilled chicken with simple seasoning. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor—perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or grilled veggies for a true Southern experience!

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound chicken breast
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Morton Season-All seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How To Make Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken?

1. Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally, then pound them lightly with a meat mallet to make them even in thickness.
2. Season the chicken: Mix the seasoned salt and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning on both sides of the chicken.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place the chicken in the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Repeat with the remaining chicken and oil.
4. Serve and enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal!

Recipe Tips:

• Pound the chicken evenly: To cook the chicken evenly and keep it juicy, pound it to the same thickness. This helps it cook at the same time without drying out.
• Let the seasoning sit: After seasoning the chicken, let it rest for 10 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to soak in and makes the chicken more flavorful.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed. If the pan is too full, the chicken will steam instead of getting a nice golden crust.
• Use a meat thermometer: To avoid dry chicken, check the internal temperature with a thermometer. It should be 75°C in the thickest part before removing it from the pan.
• Let the chicken rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making the chicken tender and juicy.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: Let the Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken cool down first. Then, put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled chicken in plastic wrap and put it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Heat a pan over low heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the chicken in the pan and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until fully warmed.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 193 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 73mg
• Sodium: 1004mg
• Potassium: 431mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 0.3g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugars: 0.1g
• Protein: 24g

Try More Cracker Barrel Recipes:

• Cracker Barrel Dumplings
• Cracker Barrel Cornbread Muffins
• Cracker Barrel Sawmill Gravy