Applebees Lemon Chicken Recipe: cedar grilled copycat

If you’re a fan of Applebee’s cedar grilled lemon chicken, you’re in the right place!

This dish combines tangy lemon with a rich cedar flavor, perfect for any dinner.

Making this at home is simple and brings the restaurant experience to your own kitchen.

You’ll need fresh ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.

These combine to create a marinade that tenderizes the chicken and gives it an amazing taste.

Grilling on a cedar plank adds a smoky depth that makes the flavor pop.

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and delicious recipe.

Follow along to transform your regular chicken dinner into something special!

Key Takeaways

• This recipe lets you recreate Applebee’s cedar grilled lemon chicken at home.
• It needs fresh ingredients and a cedar plank for grilling.
• The process is easy and results in a flavorful meal.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s dive into the key ingredients needed for Applebee’s Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken.

We’ll explore the main ingredients, seasonings, spices, and dressings involved to help you recreate this savory dish at home.

Main Ingredients

For this recipe, the boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star.

I aim to pick fresh, high-quality chicken to ensure it cooks up juicy and flavorfully.

Fresh lemons are essential, providing both lemon juice and lemon zest that add a citrusy punch.

Adding to the deliciousness, I sometimes include honey-glazed pecans and cranberries to bring some sweetness and a bit of tangy texture.

These aren’t always necessary but elevate the dish to a restaurant-quality level.

Seasonings and Spices

Seasonings play a crucial role in making this chicken taste just right.

I’ll use salt and black pepper as basics to season the meat properly.

I also love adding garlic powder and sometimes even fresh garlic cloves for that robust, aromatic flavor.

To give the dish its signature taste, I’ll sprinkle in dried oregano.

For an extra kick, a bit of cumin, cayenne pepper, and garlic salt work wonders.

These spices provide a well-rounded flavor profile that keeps the taste buds excited.

Dressings and Marinades

The marinade is what truly transforms the chicken.

I start with olive oil and lemon juice, creating a simple yet effective base.

Mixing in soy sauce adds a savory depth, while a touch of ginger brings a subtle warmth and zest to the marinade.

I often make a lemon olive oil vinaigrette which doubles as both a marinade and a dressing.

Adding parsley, and sometimes a bit of cumin or a lemon slice, can round out the flavors.

Letting the chicken soak in this marinade ensures it remains moist and flavorful upon grilling.

Feel free to experiment with the balance of these ingredients to suit your taste!

Preparation Guidelines

Here’s how I make Applebee’s Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken: first, marinate the chicken to make it tender and flavorful, then grill it perfectly to ensure a smoky taste.

Marinating the Chicken

To start, I mix fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

I use lemon juice because it adds a bright, fresh taste. Olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist during grilling.

Next, I add the chicken breasts to this mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated.

I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

If you have time, letting it marinate overnight gives the best results.

This step helps the chicken absorb all the flavors and makes it more tender.

Grilling Techniques

I preheat the grill to medium heat. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without burning.

Before placing the chicken on the grill, I soak a cedar plank in water for an hour.

This prevents it from catching fire and gives the chicken a nice smoky flavor.

Once the grill is ready, I put the soaked cedar plank on the grate over direct heat.

I place the marinated chicken breasts on the cedar plank and close the grill lid.

I turn the chicken every 5 minutes for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

To check for doneness, I use a meat thermometer.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe to eat.

After grilling, I remove the chicken from the cedar plank and serve it with some lemon slices for that extra zesty kick.

Cooking and Assembly

Cooking Applebee’s Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken involves preparing the marinade and using the grill to achieve a tender and juicy finish. The dish is both delicious and nutritious, perfect for any meal.

Bringing it All Together

First, I like to prepare the marinade.

I mix fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

This mixture not only flavors the chicken but also helps tenderize it.

For the best results, I marinate the chicken breasts in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though overnight is ideal.

After marination, it’s time to get the grill ready.

I preheat the grill to medium-high heat and place the soaked cedar plank directly onto the grates. The cedar plank adds a unique smoky flavor.

I place the marinated chicken breasts onto the plank and close the grill lid.

Cooking time is around 10 minutes, with constant turning every 2.5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, making it safe to eat and incredibly juicy.

With that, my Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken is ready to serve. One bite and you’ll understand why this dish is a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s everything you need to know about making Applebee’s Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken at home.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparations, and variations of this delicious dish!

What are the ingredients for Applebee’s Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken?

You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For grilling, you’ll also need a cedar plank.

Marinate the chicken to enhance the flavor and tenderness before grilling.

Can you share the steps to prepare Applebee’s Chicken Apple Quinoa dish?

To make the Chicken Apple Quinoa dish, you’ll need quinoa, apples, lemon juice, olive oil, chicken broth, and seasonings.

Cook the quinoa in chicken broth, then mix in diced apples and lemon juice. Grill the chicken and serve it over the quinoa mixture for a nutritious meal.

How do you make Applebee’s style grilled chicken?

First, marinate the chicken with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the grill to medium heat, place a soaked cedar plank on the grill, and cook the chicken on the plank, turning every few minutes.

What seasoning is used in Applebee’s grilled chicken?

Applebee’s grilled chicken typically uses a blend of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Some recipes may also include oregano or thyme. This combination gives the chicken a robust and zesty flavor.

What is the recipe for Applebee’s Lemon Chicken with rice?

To make lemon chicken with rice, start by marinating boneless chicken breasts in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings.

Grill the chicken on a cedar plank. Serve with cooked rice, seasoned with lemon zest and herbs for added flavor.

How can I make Applebee’s lemon pepper chicken at home?

To make lemon pepper chicken, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat your grill and cook the chicken on medium heat. Turn the chicken occasionally until it’s fully cooked.

Serve it with a side of steamed veggies or salad.