Get the taste of Cracker Barrel Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken at home with this easy, flavorful recipe! Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is quick to make and requires minimal cleanup. With a few pantry staples and some simple steps, you’ll have juicy, smoky chicken breasts that are sure to become a family favorite. Here’s everything you need to know to make this delicious meal.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken
This recipe is all about creating bold flavors in a short amount of time. Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken is not only delicious but also super convenient for busy nights. It requires just a handful of ingredients—chicken breasts, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, and a bit of oil—and can be cooked on the stove, making it accessible for everyone. The end result is juicy, tender chicken with a smoky flavor that’s reminiscent of outdoor grilling.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just learning the basics, this recipe is easy to master and sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile: you can serve it with a wide range of sides to create a balanced and hearty meal. And if you have leftovers, they store and reheat wonderfully!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To recreate the smoky, savory taste of Cracker Barrel’s Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Use fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Slicing and pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- Morton Season-All Seasoned Salt: This seasoning mix is key for a flavor that’s well-balanced, with a bit of heat and a range of spices. If you’re watching your salt intake, you can also use a reduced-sodium version of this seasoning.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice provides the smoky element to the dish, giving it a flavor similar to grilled chicken. Smoked paprika is ideal because it enhances the flavor without requiring an actual grill.
- Neutral Oil: Use a high smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil. These oils don’t interfere with the flavors of the spices and help prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
Steps for Perfect Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The key to flavorful and evenly cooked chicken is preparation. Follow these steps to get the chicken ready:
- Slice the Chicken Breasts: Begin by cutting each chicken breast horizontally into two thinner pieces. This step is essential to allow the chicken to cook more quickly and remain tender.
- Pound to Even Thickness: Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap, and use a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy skillet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch. Pounding the chicken not only helps with even cooking but also tenderizes it.
- Dry the Chicken: Pat each piece of chicken dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the seasoning adhere better and improve the chicken’s texture.
- Season Generously: In a small bowl, combine the Morton Season-All seasoned salt and smoked paprika. Mix well, then sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over both sides of each chicken piece. Press the seasonings into the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Cook the Chicken
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or grill pan. Cast iron works exceptionally well here because it holds heat evenly and gives the chicken a nice crust. A grill pan will add those classic grill marks if you prefer that look.
- Preheat the Pan: Place the skillet or grill pan over medium heat and let it warm up for a few minutes. The pan should be hot before you add the chicken; this helps to create a quick sear, locking in juices and flavor.
- Add Oil: Lightly brush or drizzle a small amount of oil onto the pan. Use just enough to prevent sticking, but avoid overdoing it to keep the chicken light and flavorful.
- Cook the Chicken: Place a few pieces of chicken in the pan, making sure not to crowd them. Allow each piece to cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked while staying moist.
- Keep the Chicken Warm: As each batch of chicken finishes, transfer it to a baking sheet in an oven set to “warm” to keep it hot while you finish cooking the remaining pieces.
Serving Suggestions for Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken
This smoky chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some creative options to elevate your meal:
- Cauliflower au Gratin with Pepper Jack Cheese: This creamy, cheesy side dish is a perfect way to enjoy cauliflower. The pepper jack cheese adds a bit of spice, making it a great match for the smoky chicken.
- Sauerkraut Salad: For a fresh and crunchy side, this sauerkraut salad has a sweet-and-sour tang that’s refreshing and easy to prepare. It’s ideal for balancing the richness of the chicken.
- Creamed Spinach with Bacon, Onions, and Garlic: This side dish combines the earthy flavors of spinach with the savory taste of bacon, onions, and garlic. It’s rich and complements the chicken perfectly, adding a luxurious touch to the meal.
- Classic Southern Sides: If you’re in the mood for traditional Southern sides, mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread are always crowd-pleasers with smoky chicken.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, storing and reheating them properly will help maintain their flavor and texture:
- Cool the Chicken: Let any leftover chicken cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the chicken soggy.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, the chicken will stay fresh for up to three days.
- Reheating Tips: To reheat the chicken without drying it out, preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour a small amount of chicken stock (just enough to cover the bottom) into a baking dish, place the chicken inside, and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through. The steam from the stock will keep the chicken moist.
Tips for the Best Smoky Grilled Chicken
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken turns out perfectly every time:
- Seasoning Alternatives: If you don’t have Morton Season-All on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing together ½ teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This blend will deliver a similar flavor profile.
- Check Temperature with a Thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This keeps the chicken juicy and ensures it’s safely cooked.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking the chicken, leave enough space between each piece. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from developing a golden crust, as it will steam instead of sear.
- Double the Batch for Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Double the batch and store the extra chicken in the fridge for easy-to-grab meals throughout the week. The smoky flavor pairs well with salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
Enjoying Your Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken
The beauty of this Cracker Barrel-inspired Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken recipe is that it’s simple yet loaded with flavor. You can bring restaurant-quality taste into your kitchen without complicated steps or ingredients. Plus, the quick cook time and minimal cleanup make it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Serve this chicken hot, with a side of your choice, and watch it become an instant family favorite. Its rich smoky flavor, juicy texture, and satisfying taste make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, from casual dinners to family gatherings. Enjoy the flavors, and happy cooking!
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Cracker Barrel Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Morton Season-All seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Here’s the process presented in a more professional manner:
- Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
- Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken, ensuring an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine seasoned salt and smoked paprika to create the seasoning blend.
- Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture on both sides of the chicken pieces, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan.
- To avoid overcrowding, cook the chicken in batches:
- – Place a portion of the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet.
- – Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once the first batch is completed, add more oil as needed and repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken pieces.
- Enjoy your perfectly cooked chicken!
NUTRITIONS
- Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1004mg | Potassium: 431mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
