Tacoma-Style Cedar Plank Chicken with Puget Sound Herb Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Roasted on a cedar plank and topped with a fresh herb butter inspired by the waters and evergreen forests of Puget Sound. This chicken-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Chicken cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Soak 1 cedar plank in water for at least 1 hour to avoid burning.
  2. Step 2: Brush 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) with 2 tbsp olive oil, then season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  3. Step 3: Place the soaked cedar plank on a baking sheet and arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: While chicken cooks, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from oven and spread the herb butter generously over each breast while still warm. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tacoma-Style Cedar Plank Chicken with Puget Sound Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Tacoma-Style Cedar Plank Chicken with Puget Sound Herb Butter?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tacoma-Style Cedar Plank Chicken with Puget Sound Herb Butter?

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 Tacoma-Style Cedar Plank Chicken with Puget Sound Herb Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Tacoma-Style Cedar Plank Chicken with Puget Sound Herb Butter?

Chicken grilling 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.

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