Spicy Honey Brushed Chicken Breasts grilled on IPA Beer Infused Cedar Plank

Ingredients:

4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts

2 tsp garlic powder

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

Pinch of crushed red pepper

Cooking spray

6 tbsp of honey

3 tsp cider vinegar

Many traditional plank instructions call for soaking the Western Red Cedar plank in water for 1-2 hours. We opted to soak the plank in beer and chose Lagunitas Brewing Co India Pale Ale (IPA) for about 3 ½ hours, which we were planning on pairing with the chicken. Make sure to add some weight to the plank to keep the plank submerged (such as the empty beer bottle, or fill the bottle with water for additional weight). The smoking cedar wood and IPA beer added amazing complexity to an already savory chicken dish.

Place the chicken directly on the grill to sear it for 1-2 minutes on high heat on both sides to help lock in the moisture and give it that classic grilled appearance. We basted the plank with more beer to add a little more flavor just before placing the chicken on the plank. Just be careful not to let too much beer spill off the plank or the grill will start flaming up. Spray some PAM or lightly apply olive oil to prevent the meat from sticking to the plank. Once the chicken is seared, remove the chicken from the grill and place it on the plank, close the lid and let it cook for an appropriate amount of time (15-20 minutes).

A few minutes before removing the chicken from the plank, baste the chicken with the honey/vinegar glaze and allow it to finish off the chicken. Remove from the plank and it’s ready to serve! To complete this delectable meal, serve up a side salad, quinoa, and steamed broccoli. And of course pair the dish with the same beer used for soaking the plank – Lagunitas IPA.

Welcome to your weekend!