Let's Talk BBQ

FORUM SPONSORS => Pit Barrel Cooker Co. => Topic started by: tn_5568 on December 12, 2014, 03:07:02 PM

Title: Screwed up my second chicken cook
Post by: tn_5568 on December 12, 2014, 03:07:02 PM: I have done a chicken, turkey, and ribs and they turned out great. This chicken however was a fail. Emptied the charcoal bag in the basket but the basket was only 75% full. Thought that was good enough then used the lighter fluid method. At 3 hrs in the chicken was only 140*. I think I had a good light just hoping it was the smaller amount of coals not giving me enough heat. I really should get a grill temp thermometer
Title: Re: Screwed up my second chicken cook
Post by: muebe on December 12, 2014, 03:10:40 PM: A full bed of coals is a must. Especially when cooking chicken!
Title: Re: Screwed up my second chicken cook
Post by: Las Vegan Cajun on December 12, 2014, 04:05:36 PM: What muebe said, gotta have a full load of charcoal.
Title: Re: Screwed up my second chicken cook
Post by: teesquare on December 12, 2014, 05:33:20 PM: X3 ont he full load of 'coal....Tried shorting the basket - but was not happy when the chicken had to be finished in the oven...
Title: Re: Screwed up my second chicken cook
Post by: 1Bigg_ER on December 15, 2014, 12:52:19 AM: Quote from: teesquare on December 12, 2014, 05:33:20 PM
X3 ont he full load of 'coal....Tried shorting the basket - but was not happy when the chicken had to be finished in the oven...

Tee, it works just fine if your coals are red hot. You will be in the grilling temp zone >350 degrees.
45-55 minutes, done.

Notice my basket in the picture, it's way less than half but hot as hell.

(http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r636/emtawali/jerked%20chicken_zps1g3bvelt.jpg) (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/emtawali/media/jerked%20chicken_zps1g3bvelt.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Screwed up my second chicken cook
Post by: muebe on December 15, 2014, 08:46:36 AM: Bigg I noticed that in the picture your using lump. My results with a less than full basket of charcoal results in too low of temps. I wonder if because your using lump you can get away with using less...
Title: Re: Screwed up my second chicken cook
Post by: 1Bigg_ER on December 15, 2014, 09:08:30 AM: Quote from: muebe on December 15, 2014, 08:46:36 AM
Bigg I noticed that in the picture your using lump. My results with a less than full basket of charcoal results in too low of temps. I wonder if because your using lump you can get away with using less...

Could be
Title: Re: Screwed up my second chicken cook
Post by: grossie on December 25, 2014, 02:04:37 PM: Hey, we have to make mistakes to learn.
I did a chicken last week and I thought the coals needed a little help. I cracked the lid an inch or two and had every intention of closing it after a few minutes...oops. Blackened chicken, anyone?

My wife claimed it was just as good, but it was tough. I dumped some hot wing sauce on it so it wouldn't go to waste!
Title: Re: Screwed up my second chicken cook
Post by: tn_5568 on December 31, 2014, 07:38:55 AM: Did another chicken and a pork shoulder for Christmas. Both turned out awesome. Full bed of coals. Started the shoulder 3 hrs before the chicken. Added a couple handfuls of charcoal on the top right before the chicken went on. Don't know if it was necessary but had family over and didn't want the defeat of having to finish in the oven.