Should the water pan be used when cooking chicken?

[SteveM.]

Hello Everyone, Should I fill the waterpan with water to cook two butterflyed chickens or empty water pan? Also what Temp should I try for and how long to cook. I know in the cooking forum Chris uses the water pan and stays around 250 Degrees, but I think I read somewhere on the site that some go for 350 and no water in pan. The last time I tried Beer can chicken it did not get done on the inside after 4-5 hours at 250. Any help will be appreciated. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

 

[Jim_W]

These are the recommendations I found here on the forum. They have worked for me:

Empty water pan lined with foil. 325 to 350 target temp. Between 1 and 2 chimneys of charcoal fully lit.(depends on how much meat you are cooking)

I go by internal meat temp and not times. I guess SmokinOkie said it best, "Its done when its done."

Good luck and when's dinner!!

 

[SteveM.]

Thanks Jim, I only going to cook two, one on each grate. How long should they take?

 

[Jim_W]

Sorry Steve, I was editing my post to address your time question. See edited post!

Jim

 

[Jim Clay]

Hey Steve, I've done that same cook several times and used the method that Jim outlined. Foil lined pan and fully lit charcoal. It's never taken me more then 1 1/2 hours with temps around 300-325.