Moist Chicken

DDay6642 · August 2012

All right what is the secret to cooking moist chicken? I tried to cook at 350 till 190+ in the thigh and it never got there and it is dry. What did I do wrong. Is it supposed to be indirect or direct? I am guessing indirect because I went direct and it dried out on me.

Also I see a lot of talk about grid temp vs dome temp. What is the temperature difference and should I take it for granted that it is dome temp or grid temp when I read if not stated? I am just trying to learn from the experts to get down the learning curve as fast as possible.

lousubcap · August 2012

I always have success with spatchcock chix, direct-raised grid around 350*F on the dome. Takes around 45-60 mins til 160*F in the breast and 180+ in the thigh. Here's a great link for all things ceramic and check out the recipe section as well- http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramic.htm

stike · August 2012

whether indirect or direct, it doesn't matter.

'dry' is always 'overcooked' when you are talking meat. salt can't do it, manner of cooking can't do it... it's simply when the meat has had the water driven off. at 190, you are flirting with disaster. breast meat is 'safe' at 14o, but still pink (unnerving for many). 150-160 will till be moist, and it will be solid white throughout.

for legs and wings, i personally like them a little higher, even 195-200. thigh meat is totally different than breast meat and has fat and collagen enough to keep things fairly moist feeling (not truly moist though, there's little water left). i like the firmer texture of 190s thighs/drums. you may want them done lower

might try the leg/thighs around 175-180. they are certainly done by then. at thoselower temps, you can always put them on a bit more too, if they feel too soft.

fishlessman · August 2012

if your cooking a whole bird, it needs to be off the grill before the breast hits 165, its already starting to get dry at 165 internal, dont even worry about the legs at that point.

travisstrick · August 2012

When I do whole ckn I cook the breast to 170. My wife eats the gross white meat and I get the thighs and legs. When the breast is 170, the thighs are perfect.

pasoegg · August 2012

once again lousubcap is all over it....naked whiz recipe will turn out some great chicken and hard to mess that one up....drink an adult koolaid and get the tunes going....life is that simple....just do it!

Onegrecook · August 2012

I cooked this chicken until the breast was right at 160*. However, I brined the chicken overnight. I'm told that brining isn't needed when using an Egg, so I'll be trying it the same way next time...minus the brine.

Onegrecook · August 2012

Sorry...it was extremely juicy!

dlk7 · August 2012

My wife and I like beer can chicken with a rub. We grill at 350 dome until breast is 165. The thighs are always perfect when the breast is 165. A lot of people prefer spatchcocked but we still like beer can better.

Moist Chicken

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