Chicken quarters and no water pan.

[Thomas/Klamerus]

I cooked four leg/thigh chicken quarters on my 14.5 WSM. I removed the waterpan to make it easier to get high temps. The BBQ Guru was able to get the temp to 360 and keep it there. I placed the chicken on the grate skin side up and did not turn it during cooking. While the meat was good the skin was tough. Next time I will start the chicken skin side down then turn it over halfway thru the cooking process. The four quarters took up most of the space on the grate so I think they blocked the airflow. Also I placed a big chunk of hickory on top of the charcol and when the quarters dripped fat on the wood chunk it flared up and charred the underside of the chicken.
Tom

 

[Tony R]

Try no chunk of wood next time.

I have done this also with charcoal and mesquite and to be honest mesquite is best. I turn the chicken every 10 min or so.

 

[Grant W]

just use an empty foiled pan.

 

[Noe]

Try no chunk of wood next time.

I have done this also with charcoal and mesquite and to be honest mesquite is best. I turn the chicken every 10 min or so.

Tony mesquite is the King of all wanna be woods. Hickory comes close but not very close.

 

[Robert McGee]

I guess the type of wood is just personal preference. I won't allow mesquite in the house. My "go to" for wood is apple for chicken and pork. I would use hickory with beef...

Again, like I say, just a matter of personal preference.

Keep on smokin',
Dale53