Thighs on the Kettle

[sawhorseray]

Picked up a 10-pack of thighs and stopped at Home Depot to see about getting a vortex. Not a chance, I guess it's something that only comes online. Asked myself why in the hell would I need one of those, been doing OK without one on the kettle for 40 years now. Fired up a chimney of RO and dumped it out on one side of the kettle, loaded the thighs on the other side, tossed a yam and a hunk of hickory on the coals and put on the cover. Started my drinkin' and waited for the smoke to clear, maybe 45 minutes, then took a peek.

Gave the thighs a little brushing of SBR a couple of times over the next half hour and called it good

I'm still trying to remember why I wanted a vortex in the first place. The thighs came out juicy and nicely done, buttered up that yam and finished up some slaw, was a decent dinner. I'm not buying a vortex until I can figure out why I thought I needed one. Thanks for lookin'! RAY

 

[noboundaries]

Great looking thighs. I've made them like you for longer than I can remember. I generally used my charcoal baskets. Worked fine.

I bought a knockoff Vortex just to see what all the fuss was about. Crispiest skin I've ever had on the thighs. Didn't take any special prep either.

Grilled some last night. A small chimney of new charcoal generates a high temp circulating heat. Is it a huge difference? No, but definitely noticeable.

 

[tropics]

Ray the birdy parts look good,the Vortex is nice you can crank out some high heat and not lose any space,
Richie

 

[sawhorseray]

Thank you both for the advise and comments. I still can't figure why I'd need one so I doubt I'll get it. I've done chickens, small beef roasts and racks of lamb on my kettles for years just like I did yesterday, sausage and burgers go right over the coals, 3-4 minutes a side. For over 40 years the Weber was the only way to cook a steak, now it's sous vide and the torch every time. I don't know what I was thinking, I don't need any more heat than the kettle has ever provided. RAY

 

[SmokinAl]

Those are some beautiful looking thighs!
The vortex does make some good wings though!
Skin as crispy as if you fried them.
Al

 

[Smokin' in AZ]

Nice looking chicken parts Ray!

Like!

John

 

[tx smoker]

Simply gorgeous Ray!! Great job. I absolutely love chicken and thighs are my favorite part. I just don't get to cook chicken here due to Tracy being allergic to it. Sadly I have to live vicariously through the rest of you most of the time. Those sure have the salivary glands working overtime!! Big LIKE on this one.

Robert

 

[6GRILLZNTN]

Great looking thighs Ray. Like Al said, the vortex turns out some great wings.

Dave

 

[GATOR240]

Fine looking Chicken. I think I'm going to do some for supper tonight. Like

 

[chopsaw]

Nice work Ray . I have to agree with you .

 

[jcam222]

Those thighs made my mouth water. Thighs and wings are my favorite pieces of chicken. I’d eat wayyyy to many of those at a striking haha, big like

 

[zwiller]

Great color! Not really a thigh guy but would tear those up!

What sort of temps you guys running thighs etc with or without vortex?

Thanks in advance.

 

[6GRILLZNTN]

Great color! Not really a thigh guy but would tear those up!

What sort of temps you guys running thighs etc with or without vortex?

Thanks in advance.

I run around 375 on the lid thermometer when I do vortex wings.

 

[RiversideSm0ker]

I’m going to have to agree with the crispy skin comment. There is a different texture with the vortex. I’ve never had tastier grilled chicken before. $18 from Amazon was worth it in my opinion. This is just my opinion though YMMV.

G

 

[HalfSmoked]

Awesome cook there Ray I could do away with for you then you could cook some more.

Warren

 

[chopsaw]

What sort of temps you guys running thighs etc with or without vortex?

No Vortex . Settles in around 450 when the chicken goes on indirect .

 

[sawhorseray]

Thank you all for the kind comments and likes, I truly do appreciate them. I just figured something out, the only wings I've ever cooked up were still stuck to the rest of the chicken. It's always the whole yardbird or thighs, a few times quarters. Never knew what the temp inside the kettle was either, thanks Chop! About the only times I've ever used a meat thermometer in the kettle was for a little prime rib roast, been doing chickens and steaks so long I just know when they are the way I want them done. Today is two whole weeks without a cigarette, must be the reason I can't sleep at night anymore. RAY

 

[noboundaries]

Ray, congrats on the two weeks!

 

[Smokin' in AZ]

Second that buddy!

 

[Bearcarver]

Beautiful Thighs Ray!!!
Nice Job!!
Like.
I'm with you, Ray. I don't bother with Those Meatless Wings.
I make Drums & Thighs----Thighs for Me & Drums for Mrs Bear.
The only times I eat Drums is when She can't keep up with Me!
When I run out of Thighs, Her Drums are "Fair Game for The Bear!!"

Bear