To try and decide each week where and what to eat in and around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.

The holidays are over. Put down the turkey. You don’t even need to think about turkey until next year. But don’t fully get rid of that thinking when it comes to the other white meat: chicken. And if you’ve never had chicken from a smoker, this week’s feature is as good a place as any to get busy trying.

Starting with that chicken, extra-large whole portions of the breast get a thorough rub down with their spice mixture before going on the smoker. Once cooked to perfection, they are butterflied before being placed on a toasted ciabatta roll and stacked along with mixed greens, tomatoes, provolone cheese, and a scratch-made aioli.

The smokiness that penetrates the chicken is present, but it never overpowers. The spice rub is the perfect complement and if the chicken was any juicier, it would create its own river. The freshness pops in from the mixed greens and the tomato, the aioli provides plenty of creaminess, and the provolone caps the flavors off with a buttery sharpness.

With everything going on between the slices, the ciabatta roll is the right call. You need the bread to be able to stand up and hold on to all the ingredients, where every bite is perfectly contained.

If you’re one who likes big portions, this sandwich will scratch that itch – the chicken breast is huge. And if you’re also one who likes big flavor, do I even need to tell you to go check it out?

Tree House Cafe is located at 8160 North Lake Tahoe Blvd. in Kings Beach. For menu and restaurant information visit them online at treehousecafekb.com.