Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

This aromatic Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken is a backyard BBQ favorite as well as being incredibly juicy! Soaking the cedar plank in apple juice infuses the wood with a subtle sweetness, which along with the lemon marinade adds a smoky, citrusy depth to this chicken that is so refreshing on a summer evening.

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Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded lightly for even thickness)
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 cedar plank (untreated, food-grade, approx. 7×16 inches)
• Water or apple juice (for soaking the plank)

How To Make Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl or Ziploc bag, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat thoroughly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Soak the plank: Submerge the cedar plank in a sink or large baking dish filled with water (or apple juice for extra flavor!). Place a heavy mug or can on top to keep it weighed down. Soak for at least 1 hour—this prevents the wood from catching fire on the grill!
3. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (approx. 350°F – 400°F). Lightly oil the grates.
4. Plank time: Place the soaked cedar plank directly onto the grill grates. Lay the marinated chicken breasts on top of the plank in a single layer. Close the grill lid to trap the smoke.
5. Smoke and cook: Grill for about 20-25 minutes total. Unlike direct grilling, you don’t need to flip the chicken constantly on the plank! Keep the lid closed as much as possible to let the cedar smoke infuse the meat.
6. Optional sear: For extra flavor and “drama,” transfer the chicken from the plank directly onto the grill grates for the last 1-2 minutes to get those beautiful char marks.
7. Serve: Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• The Soak Secret: You absolutely must soak the plank for at least an hour! If the wood is dry, it will just burn up and ruin your chicken. Weigh it down so it stays fully submerged!
• Apple Juice Hack: Soaking the wood in apple juice (or even white wine!) instead of water adds a subtle fruitiness to the smoke that pairs incredibly well with the lemon chicken.
• Don’t Flip (Mostly): The beauty of plank grilling is that you don’t need to flip the meat! It bakes gently in the smoke. Only move it at the very end if you want sear marks!
• Spray Bottle Safety: Keep a spray bottle of water handy by the grill! Sometimes the edges of the plank can catch fire; a quick spritz puts it out without cooling down the grill too much.

What To Serve With Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe?

This Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe is smoky and bright, so it needs fresh sides! A classic Potato Salad or a crisp Coleslaw works perfectly for a BBQ vibe. For a healthier plate, serve it over a Quinoa Salad with cucumbers and feta! Grilled Vegetable Skewers (zucchini, peppers, onions) cooked right alongside the chicken make for an easy, complete meal with zero extra cleanup!

How To Store Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It makes amazing cold leftovers for salads or sandwiches!
• Reheat: Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet. Don’t overheat or the breast meat will dry out!
• Freeze: Freeze the cooked chicken in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. (Note: You cannot reuse the cedar plank; toss it after cooking!)

Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 45g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

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