Savor the Freshness: Applebee’s Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken Copycat Recipe

Craving something zesty, smoky, and healthy all at once? Let me introduce you to my take on Applebee’s Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken, a flavorful and protein-packed dish inspired by the restaurant favorite. This copycat recipe captures the essence of the original—perfectly grilled chicken breasts marinated in lemon, garlic, and rosemary, served alongside tender grilled vegetables and fluffy quinoa.

What makes this dish truly stand out is the subtle smoky aroma from the cedar plank and the bright tang of lemon that dances through every bite. Whether you’re planning a light weeknight dinner or a wholesome weekend grill-out, this recipe is your go-to for something both nourishing and delicious.

Let’s start recreating this Applebee’s classic right in your kitchen.

Ingredients List

Creating this flavorful dish starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s everything you need for my Applebee’s Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken version.

Main Ingredients

• 2 boneless chicken breasts – skinless and trimmed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice – freshly squeezed for the best citrus kick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – extra virgin preferred
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste – or two cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary – finely chopped
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• Cedar wood plank (optional) – soaked in water for 1 hour before grilling

For Serving

• 1 cup cooked quinoa – fluffy and warm
• Grilled vegetables – I like a mix of:
  • Zucchini (sliced)
  • Capsicum (bell peppers, julienned)
  • Asparagus (trimmed)

Optional: A drizzle of extra lemon juice and olive oil for added flavor when plating.

Required Kitchen Tools

Cooking this dish is a breeze when you have the right tools ready:

1. Grill or Grill Pan – For those signature grill marks and smoky flavor.
2. Mixing Bowl – To marinate the chicken evenly.
3. Tongs – To flip the chicken and veggies without piercing the meat.
4. Basting Brush – This is used to apply the leftover marinade or extra olive oil.
5. Wooden Cedar Plank (optional) – Soaked and ready to impart that authentic smoky flavor.
6. Serving Platter – For a beautiful presentation of your grilled masterpiece.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bring the fresh, zesty flavors of Applebee’s Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken to life. Trust me, it’s easier than you think—and your kitchen is about to smell amazing.

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix well until it forms a fragrant, zesty marinade.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place your boneless chicken breasts in the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
Pro tip: Let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they become. I usually go for 2–4 hours when I have the time.

3. Prepare the Cedar Plank (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re using a cedar plank, soak it in water for at least 1 hour. This helps it smolder rather than burn and adds that amazing woodsy aroma to your chicken.

4. Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
If using the cedar plank:

• Place the soaked plank directly on the grill.
• Lay the marinated chicken breasts on top.

Grill 5–7 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The chicken should be golden brown with grill marks and juicy inside.

5. Grill the Vegetables

While the chicken is cooking, toss your chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them until tender with slight charring—usually 2–4 minutes per side.

6. Plate and Serve

Spoon the cooked quinoa onto a plate. Top it with the grilled chicken breast and arrange the colorful grilled vegetables on the side.
Finish with a fresh lemon juice and olive oil drizzle for that signature zesty finish.

Tips & Serving Suggestions

✅ Cedar Plank vs. Direct Grill

If you can get your hands on a cedar plank, do it! The smoky aroma it adds to the chicken is worth the extra step. Just make sure to soak it well so it doesn’t catch fire on the grill.

✅ Marinate for Maximum Flavor

While 30 minutes works in a pinch, marinating for 2–4 hours will give the lemon and rosemary time to infuse the chicken deeply. The result is incredibly juicy, flavorful meat.

✅ Balanced Lemon Flavor

Go easy on the lemon. This dish is meant to be citrusy, not sour. A light hand with the lemon juice goes a long way, especially if you plan to drizzle more over the top when serving.

Storage Instructions

How to Store

Leftovers? No problem. Let everything cool completely, then store:

• Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Quinoa and veggies separately for easy reheating

Reheating Tips

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts. For best results, sprinkle a little water over the chicken before reheating to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the marinated chicken on a baking tray for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: What can I substitute for the cedar plank?
You can grill directly on a non-stick grill grate or use a cast iron grill pan on the stovetop. The cedar plank adds a smoky flavor, but it isn’t necessary.

Q: Can I meal prep this in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. Cooked chicken and quinoa are also kept well for up to 3 days.

Q: What other sides go well with this dish?
Brown rice, couscous, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad make great substitutes for quinoa and veggies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating a restaurant-quality dish in your kitchen. My Applebee’s Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe is healthy, simple, and flavorful. With juicy chicken, grilled veggies, and fluffy quinoa, it’s the kind of meal that feels special, but fits right into any weeknight dinner plan.

Give it a try; I promise it’ll become a repeat on your table!