Quick Question about Chicken Temperatures

[BeeRich]

Hi folks.

I just hit 172'F in my WSM for 2 capons seasoned and smoked. What temperature should I take these birds to? I think 172'F is a bit low with regards to other meats.

Pictures to follow when I take them off.

 

[Pigs On The Wing BBQ]

I go 160F internal temp. YMMV.

Pigs

 

[BeeRich]

OK I'll go take them off. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[Pigs On The Wing BBQ]

OK I'll go take them off. Thanks for the quick reply.

Just let them rest. (10 min) I do a loose foil tent so they don't steam. Good luck. Let us know how they come out.

Pigs

 

[BeeRich]

Just foiled them. I'll give it 20 min or so. They smell incredible! :P

They got up to 172, and they seem pretty weak birds.

 

[Pigs On The Wing BBQ]

Loose foil tent. Or ya get "rubber chicken"

Pigs

 

[BeeRich]

OK I go let them loose.

 

[BeeRich]

OK, here's the deal:

- Of course, Zatarains Creole Rub (love this stuff), overnight sit in fridge

- <250°F for 7 hours, for 2 capons, ~6 pounds each (wings taken off first one for ... eating

- Taken to 172°F via thermoprobe

- Meat is fantastic, and this is the second time the skin was tough, so I need to see how I can fix that

- Would like to try chickens instead of capons in the future, so I can pack more into the unit (these 2 were on top level only)

 

[Christopher1]

BeeRich, I always cook my chickens over 300°F. Chicken takes smoke well so low and slow isn't really necessary. Try 325°F to 350°F next time, taking the breasts to 160°F before pulling. The skin won't be nearly as tough when done at higher temps.

You can try spatchcocking them as well to even out the cooking surface.

 

[BeeRich]

Oh but I have a full Napoleon BBQ for that. So no need for the smoker at all. I can smoke in my Napoleon. But good to know.

BTW this chicken tastes quite nice, so I was thinking of de-skinning the bird first.

 

[Nick Prochilo]

Where are you taking the temps at, breast or thigh? 160* breast, 170* thigh.

 

[BeeRich]

Sorry, notification didn't come through for this post.

Thighs at 172°F.