Cracker Barrel's smoky grilled chicken made at home in under 15 minutes. Four simple ingredients deliver bold, smoky flavor your whole family will enjoy.
Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally. Gently pound with a meat pounder to ensure even thickness.
Combine the seasoned salt and smoked paprika in a small dish. Sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the chicken.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Repeat with the remaining oil and chicken.
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Recipe Tips
Pounding the chicken is the most important step in this recipe. Uneven thickness is the single most common reason chicken breasts turn out dry on the outside or underdone in the center.
If you are using a grill pan, preheat it for at least 2 to 3 minutes before adding the chicken. A properly preheated pan creates a better crust quickly, which helps the meat stay juicy by sealing the surface before too much moisture escapes.
For the boldest seasoning, sprinkle the spice blend on the chicken at least 15 minutes before cooking and let it sit at room temperature. If time allows, you can season the pieces up to an hour ahead and refrigerate them uncovered on a plate.
Do not skip the warm oven holding step when cooking multiple batches. Stacking finished chicken on a plate covered with foil causes steam to soften the crust. The WARM oven keeps the texture intact.