On 28-Jun-2004, "Special Ed" > wrote:

> "Tranch749" > wrote in message
> ...
> > ...and it was delicious.
> >
> > Tried a butterflied chicken tonight, cooked directly over lump charcoal
> and it
> > turned out just great. Started the coals, let them ash over and let the
> temp
> > come up to 300. Put the chicken on, skin side down and let it cook 20
> minutes.
> > Didn't add any other coals, just let the temp gradually drop to 225 -
> > 250
> > during the 20 minute cooking time. Turned the bird and cooked it on the
> other
> > side for 20 minutes and it was great. Tasty and a nice crisp, slightly
> charred
> > skin.
> >
> > My first chicken last night tasted good, but looked as black as the
> > coals
> I
> > cooked it over. Slow but sure, and with the information I get from this
> group
> > and it's FAC, I'm learning.
> >
> > One question about regulating the heat. I have a CharGriller SmokinPro
> grill
> > with the side firebox. To keep the heat fairly even is it best to try
> > and
> use
> > just the opening on the firebox door with the chimmney wide open, or
> should I
> > use a combination of opening/closing both?
> >
> > Thanks again.
>
> Try taking a brick and wrapping it in foil and place on top of the chicken
> while cooking it. It will flatten the chicken out and provide more even
> cooking and perhaps a shorter cooking time. I do this whenever I butterfly
> a
> bird.

I suggest getting that brick good an hot before putting the bird on. I did
one
something like that in the house the other day, after being led on by one of
the cooking shows. I used a big brick, about 50% larger then the typical
red building brick. Did the bird first in a skillet and then in a 450° oven.
Took
the better part of an hour to get it done. I'm guessing that it would get
done
and with a nicer texture in 40 min. starting with a hot brick. Bird was
fresh
from the store and rubbed with my favorite just before going on the heat.
There's a bunch of ways to improve on what I did. It still eats good though.

--
M&M ("When You're Over The Hill You Pick Up Speed")