Smoked Chicken in a Pit Barrel Cooker - eviltoast

If you’re using a traditional charcoal grill or a barrel smoker like this one, I recommend using a charcoal chimney to get the party started. I fill mine 3/4 full of charcoal, then roll a couple of sheets of newspaper with a drop of vegetable oil and kind of wedge it under the chimney. Lights first time and gets the charcoals going quickly.

To add a little flavour to the smokiness, I used Jack Daniels barrel wood chips, bay leaves, and allspice berries soaked in water for an hour or so before the cook.

After the chicken temp hit about 65’C I took the chicken off the hooks, put the grill grate in and left the lid off to finish the chicken over a higher flame and get the skin a little more crispy.

Served with potato salad; red cabbage and pecan coleslaw; watermelon, mango, feta, cucumber, mint and basil salad.