Cedar-Planked Grilled Chicken with Maple-Soy Glaze
Juicy chicken thighs grilled on cedar planks to infuse smoky aroma, finished with a glossy glaze of maple syrup and soy sauce reflecting Seattle’s love for rich flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces, about 1.5 lbs boneless skin-on chicken thighs
- 1, soaked in water for 1 hour cedar grilling plank
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2, sliced for garnish green onions
- 1 tbsp, toasted for garnish sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup maple syrup, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil to create the glaze.
- Step 2: Place 6 boneless skin-on chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour half of the glaze over them, turning to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium heat and place the soaked cedar plank on the grill for 3 minutes until it begins to crackle.
- Step 4: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the cedar plank, brush with remaining glaze, and grill with the lid closed for 25-30 minutes, brushing every 10 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and skin is caramelized.
- Step 5: Remove from grill, garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately for a smoky-sweet dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cedar-Planked Grilled Chicken with Maple-Soy Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cedar-Planked Grilled Chicken with Maple-Soy Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep maple syrup from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cedar-Planked Grilled Chicken with Maple-Soy Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cedar-Planked Grilled Chicken with Maple-Soy Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cedar-Planked Grilled Chicken with Maple-Soy Glaze?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.