How to Smoke Chicken Thighs | Mad Scientist BBQ

Summary

In the 'Mad Scientist Barbecue' video, Jeremy Yoder demonstrates how to transform the underrated bone-in skin-on chicken thighs into a delicious barbecue dish. With sponsorship from HelloFresh, he emphasizes the simplicity of seasoning with just salt and pepper, smoking the chicken at a low temperature to build smoke flavor, and finishing with a glaze of barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken that challenges the common perception of dark meat, proving that with the right technique, even the most overlooked cuts can become a star at the barbecue.

Takeaways

• 🍗 The video is about cooking bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, which are considered an underrated barbecue item.
• 👨‍🍳 The host, Jeremy Yoder, introduces the video and thanks the sponsor, HelloFresh, for providing meal kits that make cooking easy and affordable.
• 📦 HelloFresh sends pre-measured ingredients, offering flexibility and convenience, especially for those with busy schedules or families.
• 🔥 The chicken thighs are seasoned simply with a 50/50 mix of salt and pepper, emphasizing the importance of smoke flavor in the cooking process.
• 💰 The total cost of the chicken used in the video is $11.25, highlighting the affordability of this dish.
• 🌡️ The cooking process begins at a low temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit, focusing on building smoke flavor before increasing the temperature to crisp the skin.
• 🔥 After an hour, the temperature is increased to 300 degrees to crisp the skin and render the fat, ensuring the chicken is juicy and tender.
• 🍯 A glaze is prepared using barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar, mixed to a runny consistency for even coating.
• 🔥 The chicken is glazed after reaching an internal temperature of 185 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the glaze sets properly without overcooking.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The video encourages viewers to try cooking chicken thighs, as they are a cost-effective and flavorful option for barbecue enthusiasts.
• 📚 The host suggests that this method of cooking chicken thighs is the easiest way to achieve great results, emphasizing the simplicity and effectiveness of the technique.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video by Jeremy Yoder?

The main focus of the video is to demonstrate how to cook bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, which the host considers the most underrated barbecue item.

Who is the sponsor of the video and what do they offer?

The sponsor of the video is HelloFresh, which offers pre-measured ingredients for easy and affordable meal preparation.

What are the benefits of using HelloFresh according to the video?

HelloFresh saves time, offers flexibility, and allows for restaurant-quality meals at home without the hassle of buying large quantities of ingredients.

Why does Jeremy Yoder consider chicken thighs to be underrated in barbecue?

Jeremy Yoder considers chicken thighs to be underrated because they are not a glamorous cut of meat and often result in dry and boring meals, but when cooked properly, they can be amazing.

What is the simple seasoning method used for the chicken thighs in the video?

The simple seasoning method used is a 50/50 mix by volume of salt and pepper.

How much did the chicken thighs cost in the video?

The total cost of the chicken thighs in the video was 11.25 dollars.

What is the initial temperature used for smoking the chicken thighs and why?

The initial temperature used is 225 degrees, which can drop as low as 200 degrees, to focus on adding smoke flavor early in the cooking process.

Why is it important to season the skin side of the chicken thighs?

Seasoning the skin side helps dehydrate the skin, resulting in a crispier texture that is not chewy or rubbery.

What is the purpose of increasing the temperature to 300 degrees after an hour?

The purpose of increasing the temperature to 300 degrees is to crisp the skin and ensure the fat under the skin is rendering properly, which keeps the chicken juicy.

What are the two ingredients used for the glaze on the chicken thighs?

The two ingredients used for the glaze are barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar.

What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken thighs before glazing?

The recommended internal temperature for the chicken thighs before glazing is 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why does Jeremy Yoder test the juiciness of the chicken before applying the glaze?

Testing the juiciness before applying the glaze ensures that any extra moisture detected is from the chicken itself and not from the sauce, maintaining the integrity of the glaze.

What is the final step in glazing the chicken thighs?

The final step in glazing the chicken thighs is to leave them on the smoker just long enough for the glaze to thicken and become sticky.

What does Jeremy Yoder suggest as an alternative to store-bought barbecue sauce for the glaze?

Jeremy Yoder suggests that if viewers want to make their own barbecue sauce, they should feel free to do so.

How does Jeremy Yoder encourage viewers to try his method of cooking chicken thighs?

He encourages viewers to try his method by pointing out the low cost of chicken thighs and the impressive results in terms of smoke flavor, tenderness, and juiciness.