Need Some Quick Help -trying to follow recipe for my first smoking attempt

[Slapshot]

The recipe for smoking chicken thighs comes from an expert smoker with championship credentials, but this part confuses me?

"Place the thighs as far away from your heat source as possible."

How exactly do you do that with a Searwood pellet smoker? The fire box is down in the bottom, in the center. Would you place the chicken thighs around the edges of the grill grates?

 

[Daverich4]

The recipe for smoking chicken thighs comes from an expert smoker with championship credentials, but this part confuses me?

"Place the thighs as far away from your heat source as possible."

How exactly do you do that with a Searwood pellet smoker? The fire box is down in the bottom, in the center. Would you place the chicken thighs around the edges of the grill grates?

No, the edges (or at least the corners) are the hottest part of the grill. Place your chicken on the upper grate.

 

[Slapshot]

No, the edges (or at least the corners) are the hottest part of the grill. Place your chicken on the upper grate.

Thank you. I was wondering of that was the solution, but wasn't sure that something placed there would smoke properly. Greatly appreciate the advice.

 

[kentb53]

Thank you. I was wondering of that was the solution, but wasn't sure that something placed there would smoke properly. Greatly appreciate the advice.

Heat (and smoke) rises.

 

[Bulkman]

I use a water pan below my chickens whenever I use my rotisserie. That acts a buffer & prevents grease from making a mess inside the cooker. When it's done, clean up is a breeze, just wash the pan (or throw away if you use aluminum). I would do the same with thighs on the top rack.

 

[Smokin' Mike]

I use a water pan below my chickens whenever I use my rotisserie. That acts a buffer & prevents grease from making a mess inside the cooker. When it's done, clean up is a breeze, just wash the pan (or throw away if you use aluminum). I would do the same with thighs on the top rack.

Question.....being you're using a water pan, does the skin on your chickens crisp up?

 

[Bulkman]

Question.....being you're using a water pan, does the skin on your chickens crisp up?

It does. If you like extra crispy though, one option is to use a small butane torch as it's rotating after you've reached the IT you want.