Roommate has one of those gas/coal combo grills. Gonna try my first true smoking experience either tomorrow or Saturday. Was thinking something super easy, like chicken thighs. Anyone got tips for some killer thighs?
The plan was either Apple or cherry wood, with the coals/wood opposite the vent and the meat over a foil pan of cider or water. Brine the thighs for a few hours, rub liberally and cook at like 200-250.
Get the combo Chicken leg/thigh cuts... they are like dirt cheap most of the time (10lbs bag is like $6)
I brine in a saltwater and apple cider vinegar solution... just salt and water is fine or even no brine and salt before you throw it in the smoker is fine too.
Season to taste with a poultry rub. I'm a dry rub fan, no need to let all the heat our basting over and over again.
When you're done, chicken skin (which you should keep on) gets very leather after low/slow cooking. Luckily for you, you have a combo grill! Move the smoked meats to the propane side (gas off) and let rest, skin side down for 10-30 minutes, until no rocket hot. Turn the gas up to full and finish off on high heat until the skin starts to blister and you're done.
