Cheddar’s Lemon Pepper Chicken (Copycat)

by CookTeen
Cheddar's Lemon Pepper Chicken (Copycat)

As a lover of all things zesty and flavorful, I have a knack for experimenting with ingredients and finding the perfect balance. With my Cheddar’s Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe, it’s no different. Juicy and tender chicken paired with the zesty tang of lemon and a hint of peppery spice is nothing short of a dance for your taste buds. So get ready to drool because this lemon pepper delight will make you hungry for more!

How to make Cheddar’s Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon Pepper Chicken

Cheddar’s Lemon Pepper Chicken is a delightful dish featuring grilled chicken seasoned with zesty lemon pepper. The lemon and savory pepper combination gives it a delicious and flavorful kick. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy a bright and citrusy twist to their chicken.

Cheddar’s lemon pepper chicken ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp freshly crushed pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • Lemon slices and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, freshly crushed pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Add the chicken breasts to this mixture, ensuring they’re well coated, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight if possible).
  2. Get Cooking: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill/skillet. Place the marinated chicken on it and season with salt. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  3. Serving: Finally, serve your delicious lemon pepper chicken with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that touch of restaurant-grade presentation!

Handy Tips:

  1. Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it accumulates. You can marinate it overnight for the best results.
  2. Quality Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients can make a world of difference in the flavor of your dish. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly crushed pepper lend a unique, robust flavor that’s hard to achieve with their packaged counterparts.
  3. Controlling The Heat: Maintain a steady medium heat when cooking the chicken breasts. If the heat is too high, the chicken may burn on the outside while remaining uncooked in the center.

Serving

When pairing it with sides, the sky is the limit! However, there are a few options that I love and believe truly enhance the flavors of this zesty, peppery chicken. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes make for a creamy and comforting side that balances the tanginess of the Cheddar’s Lemon Pepper Chicken. The mildness of the potatoes, combined with the robust flavors of garlic, offer a well-rounded taste experience alongside the zesty chicken.

2. Steamed Broccoli

Health-conscious and delicious, steamed broccoli is a great pair for any protein-rich dish. The slight crunch and freshness of the broccoli work seamlessly with the textures of the Cheddar’s Lemon Pepper Chicken.

3. Grilled Asparagus

Give your meal a springtime feel with some fresh, grilled asparagus. Grilled to perfection, this vegetable absorbs some smoky flavor that creates a delightful contrast with the tangy, fruity note in the chicken.

4. Riced Cauliflower

Riced cauliflower is a lighter alternative to traditional grains and goes well with Cheddar’s Lemon Pepper Chicken. The cauliflower’s mild flavor provides a lovely contrast and allows the lemon pepper flavors to really shine.

5. Greek Salad

Add a burst of color and freshness with a Greek salad on the side. The tangy cheese and olives along with crunch from the cucumbers and lettuce match fantastically with Lemon Pepper Chicken, providing a Mediterranean touch.

6. Garlic Bread

Who can resist a side of warm, garlicky bread? The crispy, savory garlic bread is wonderful for soaking up any extra juices, ensuring none of that lemon pepper goodness goes to waste.

Ingredients substitutes

  1. Chicken: If you’re seeking another protein source, you can substitute chicken with turkey cutlets or thinly sliced pork chops. For a vegetarian option, try thick slices of tofu or portobello mushrooms as the main ingredient.
  2. Olive Oil: Canola oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil are suitable alternatives for olive oil. They’re all relatively mild-tasting and can withstand medium heat.
  3. Lemon Juice: If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use store-bought lemon juice or even lime juice for a slightly different kind of zesty tang.
  4. Lemon Zest: Orange zest can be a practical substitute for lemon zest, adding a slightly sweeter citrus note to the dish. If you don’t have either, use an extra teaspoon of lemon (or orange) juice for a bit of extra citrus punch.
  5. Freshly Crushed Pepper: You can use pre-crushed black pepper if you don’t have whole peppercorns. While it might not have the same robust flavors as freshly crushed, it will still provide the necessary peppery zest.
  6. Garlic: Garlic powder or granulated garlic can be used instead of fresh minced garlic. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic required or 1/4 teaspoon of granulated garlic per clove.
  7. Fresh Thyme: Replace fresh thyme with dried thyme, using 1/3 teaspoon of dried thyme for every teaspoon of fresh thyme. Alternatively, you can use a pinch of Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence, which contains thyme, for added flavor.
  8. Fresh Rosemary: Dried rosemary can be used in place of fresh rosemary. To maintain the same intensity of flavor, use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for every teaspoon of fresh rosemary. If you don’t have rosemary, try using a pinch of Italian seasoning as an alternative.

Storage And Reheating

To store Cheddar’s Lemon Pepper Chicken properly, follow these steps:

  1. Cooling Down: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature for 1-2 hours after your meal. This helps prevent bacteria growth.
  2. Separation: If you have any side dishes or sauces accompanying the chicken, consider storing them separately to maintain the individual flavors.
  3. Storage Container: Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure the container is appropriate for the refrigerator or freezer.
  4. Labeling: Labeling the container with the date is always a good idea, especially if you plan to keep it in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for a longer period.

For reheating:

  1. Thawing (if frozen): If you stored the chicken in the freezer, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  2. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to around 325°F (163°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it to prevent drying. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature.
  3. Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. However, be cautious as this can sometimes result in uneven heating. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short increments, checking and stirring in between.
  4. Stovetop Method: You can use a stovetop for a more controlled reheat. Place the chicken in a pan over medium heat, adding a little oil or broth to prevent sticking. Cover and heat, turning the chicken occasionally until it’s warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar’s lemon pepper chicken recipe makes a tangy, delicious chicken dinner. The chicken breast is coated in a crispy breading and cooked in a pan with butter. Lemon juice is then added to the pan, infusing the entire dish with a subtle brightness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some grated parmesan cheese take this chicken dinner over the top.

More On Chicken Recipes:

Cheddar's Lemon Pepper Chicken (Copycat)

Cheddar's Lemon Pepper Chicken

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 520 calories 12 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp freshly crushed pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • Lemon slices and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, freshly crushed pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Add the chicken breasts to this mixture, ensuring they're well coated, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight if possible).
  2. Get Cooking: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill/skillet. Place the marinated chicken on it and season with salt. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  3. Serving: Finally, serve your delicious lemon pepper chicken with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that touch of restaurant-grade presentation!

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy