Introduction
In this year 2023, Pit Barrel Chicken Thighs have become a sensation in the world of barbecue. These juicy, flavorful chicken thighs cooked in a pit barrel smoker are taking the grilling community by storm. Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or a novice backyard cook, the Pit Barrel Chicken Thighs recipe is easy to follow and guarantees mouthwatering results.
Why Pit Barrel Chicken Thighs?
There are several reasons why Pit Barrel Chicken Thighs have gained immense popularity. Firstly, the pit barrel smoker, with its unique design, allows for even cooking and smoke penetration, resulting in perfectly tender and juicy chicken thighs. Secondly, the simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible to all levels of cooking expertise. Lastly, the flavor profile achieved with the combination of spices and smoke is simply unmatched.
Ingredients
To make Pit Barrel Chicken Thighs, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite barbecue rub
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step ensures a crispy skin. Drizzle the thighs with olive oil and rub them evenly with the barbecue rub, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken thighs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 2: Set up the Pit Barrel Smoker
While the chicken thighs are marinating, set up your pit barrel smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that you have enough charcoal to maintain a steady temperature of around 275°F (135°C) throughout the cooking process. Add a couple of chunks of your favorite smoking wood, such as hickory or applewood, to infuse a smoky flavor into the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Thighs
Once the smoker is ready, hang the chicken thighs on the hooks provided in the pit barrel smoker. Make sure to leave some space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Close the lid and let the magic happen. The chicken thighs will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to cook, depending on their size. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pit barrel smoker and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a moist and flavorful chicken. Serve the Pit Barrel Chicken Thighs with your favorite barbecue sauce and sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Pit Barrel Chicken Thighs are a game-changer in the barbecue world. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the unique cooking method of the pit barrel smoker, guarantees delicious and succulent chicken thighs every time. So, fire up your pit barrel smoker, get your spices ready, and enjoy the mouthwatering experience of Pit Barrel Chicken Thighs!