Cedar Planked Chicken Breast Recipe
Moist Smoky Poultry is a Simple Entree or Makes a Salad a Meal
May 20, 2009
If you thought plank-style cooking was only for salmon, remember that tribes native to the Pacific Northwest coastline who developed the technique around their cooking fires also prepared their game against cedar or alder wood.
Those early cooks obviously knew best, because poultry that is lightly flavored with aromatic smoke on the outside and juicy inside is an inexpensive dish that tastes like an indulgence. You don’t have to admit how easy it was to make.
Preparing the Cedar Plank for Tasty Grilled Chicken
For this recipe, the best planks are made of cedar or alder wood, which are widely available at grocery stores, kitchen specialty markets and other cooking retailers. Or, buy untreated lumber (such as cedar fence planks) at your local lumber yard and cut pieces to fit your needs.
Disposable planks for outdoor grilling should be soaked for 30 minutes or longer so they don’t flame up too much and burn your dinner. Make sure the plank is free of sawdust and dirt. If you marinate your chicken in an olive oil mixture as described below, you do not need to further oil the plank.
To learn more about do-it-yourself planking, go to Making Cedar or Alder Planks for Grill or Oven.
Simple Ingredients for Cedar Planked Chicken Breasts
(Figure two large chicken breast halves for two entrees or four salads)
- 2 boneless chicken breast halves
- 1/4 C olive oil
- 1/4 C lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Directions for Cedar Planked Chicken Breasts
- Marinate chicken breast halves in olive oil and lemon juice for at least one hour, or while frozen chicken thaws in the refrigerator
- Soak disposable cedar or alder plank(s) in water for at least one hour
- In a well-ventilated area, preheat barbecue grill to medium or medium-high (350 to 425 degrees)
- Place chicken on plank so it does not hang over the sides
- Season lightly with salt and pepper, or as desired
- Place plank on grill and close the lid
- Resist opening the barbecue, which allows flavorful smoke to escape
- Cook for 35 to 40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through
- Serve whole as an entrée or slice and turn your favorite salad into a meal
Seasoning Variations for Cedar Planked Chicken Breasts
- Sprinkle lightly with seasoned salt, garlic salt or commercial spice mix after marinating to add some zest
- A light dusting of hot Cajun seasoning appeals to adventurous appetites
- Substitute a teriyaki marinade to add an Asian flavor to entrees or salads
- Experiment with other homemade or store-bought marinades made for poultry
Related Recipe: Cedar Planked Salmon With Garlic Mayonnaise
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