Cracker Barrel Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken Recipe

This Cracker Barrel Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken is a zesty and light recipe, which calls for fresh lemon juice and cracked black pepper. It’s a healthy, low-carb dinner option, ready in about 20 minutes.

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Cracker Barrel Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 8–10 tenderloins)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp salt (check your lemon pepper first, as many contain salt)
• 1 fresh lemon, sliced into wheels and juiced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make Cracker Barrel Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken

1. Prep the chicken: If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch) using a meat mallet. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season the meat: In a small bowl, mix the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt (if using). Brush the chicken breasts on both sides with the olive oil (or melted butter). Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over both sides, pressing it in with your fingers so it adheres to the meat.
3. Preheat the grill: Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (approx. 375°F/190°C). Lightly oil the grates.
4. Grill the chicken: Place the chicken on the hot grill. If using breasts, cook for 5–6 minutes on the first side. If using tenderloins, cook for 3–4 minutes. You want nice char marks to develop.
5. Flip and finish: Flip the chicken over. Squeeze half of the fresh lemon juice directly over the grilling chicken. Cook for another 4–6 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Grill the lemon slices: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, place the fresh lemon wheels directly on the grill grates. Grill them until they have char marks and are caramelized.
7. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Top with the grilled lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Watch the salt: Lemon pepper seasoning varies wildly in salt content. Some are salt-free, while others are mostly salt. Taste a tiny pinch of your seasoning before adding the extra ¼ tsp of salt listed in the ingredients.
• Fresh lemon is key: While the seasoning provides the pepper punch, the fresh lemon juice squeezed over the meat while it cooks caramelizes slightly and adds a bright, fresh acidity that bottled juice cannot replicate.
• Butter vs. Oil: Cracker Barrel often uses a butter-oil blend for grilling to get that distinct golden color. For a closer copycat taste, brush with melted butter; for a healthier version, stick to olive oil.
• Homemade Seasoning: If you don’t have lemon pepper, mix 1 tbsp cracked black pepper with the zest of 2 lemons and 1 tsp of kosher salt.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken

This light dish pairs perfectly with steamed or roasted sides.

• Steamed Broccoli: A classic healthy pairing.
• Baked Potato: Loaded with sour cream and cheese.
• Turnip Greens: A traditional Southern vegetable.
• Rice Pilaf: Soaks up the lemon juices nicely.

How To Store Cracker Barrel Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken in meal-prep containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out.

Cracker Barrel Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 240kcal
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturates: 2g
• Sugar: 0g
• Salt: 0.8g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 4 servings).

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