2 Place the chicken breast side down on top of the vegetables (this will help keep the meat moist during cooking) and season with salt and pepper. (styleathome.com)
It's purpose is to keep the meat moist during the smoking process and to give the cook something to do during the long, boring, smoking process. (fieryfoodscentral.com)
Plus without the bones blocking direct heat and the skin keeping the meat moist while it cooks, the breast tends to dry out. (epicurious.com)