Creating A Fire Pit For The Perfect Chicken Barbecue

Cooking chicken over a fire pit is a fun and social way to enjoy delicious barbecue chicken. Fire pit cooking is a versatile and inclusive method that gets everyone involved. While fire pits are not primarily designed for cooking, many models include grills and accessories to make your own fire pit barbecue. This guide will take you through the steps to create a fire pit for a chicken barbecue, from building your fire pit to cooking your chicken to perfection.

Characteristics and their Values for a Chicken Barbecue Fire Pit

Choosing a fire pit

Type of Fire Pit

Fire pits come in various types, including traditional open pits, barrel charcoal BBQs, and modular kitchen setups. While some fire pits are solely designed for aesthetic purposes, many models now include grills and accessories that enable cooking. Consider choosing a fire pit with a grill or a rotisserie attachment, which will provide more options for cooking chicken. A fire pit with a lid, for instance, allows for roasting larger birds, such as turkey.

Fuel Source

Fire pits can be fuelled by either charcoal or wood. Charcoal is a popular choice, as it burns efficiently and can be easily controlled. It also provides a bed of coals for cooking. Wood, on the other hand, offers a more rustic experience and can impart a smoky flavour to the chicken. You can experiment with different types of wood, such as cherry or oak, to enhance the flavour profile of your barbecue.

Size and Portability

Consider the size and portability of the fire pit, especially if you intend to use it in different locations. A larger fire pit may provide more cooking space, but it will also be heavier and more challenging to move. If you plan to use the fire pit for camping or outdoor activities, a smaller, portable model might be more suitable.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a priority when working with open flames. Choose a fire pit with safety features such as a mesh screen or a lid to prevent sparks and embers from escaping. Additionally, consider the placement of your fire pit to ensure it is a safe distance from flammable objects and surfaces.

Accessories and Tools

To enhance your cooking experience, consider fire pits that come with accessories like grill grates, skewers, or rotisserie attachments. These accessories will expand your cooking options and make it easier to handle different types of food. Additionally, invest in essential tools like tongs or a grill spatula specifically designed for use with fire pits.

By considering these factors when choosing a fire pit, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious chicken barbecue feasts in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Selecting the right wood or charcoal

When it comes to barbecuing chicken over a fire pit, you can use either wood or charcoal as your fuel source. Each option has its own advantages and will impart a smoky flavour to your chicken.

If you opt for charcoal, you have two main choices: briquettes or lump charcoal. Briquettes are made with chemicals to form a neater, square shape, while lump charcoal is preferred by some BBQ enthusiasts for its "cleaner" taste. Charcoal is easy to control, allowing you to create spots of direct and indirect heat, which is beneficial for larger cuts of meat that require longer cooking times. Keep in mind that charcoal grills tend to run hotter, so you'll need to monitor your chicken more frequently to prevent overcooking.

On the other hand, wood provides a traditional and natural option for your fire pit. Different types of wood, such as cherry and oak, can be used to add unique flavour profiles to your chicken. Similar to charcoal, wood burns quickly, so you'll need to keep an eye on your fire and add more fuel as needed.

The choice between charcoal and wood depends on your personal preference and the flavour profile you desire. If you're using a fire pit table, for example, you may have temperature control options that can help regulate the heat.

Regardless of your fuel choice, it's important to ensure your fire pit has reached the appropriate temperature before placing the chicken on the grill. A medium-high heat setting is generally recommended for chicken to cook evenly without burning. Remember to practise proper fire safety and have the right tools, such as tongs or a grill spatula, for handling the chicken during cooking.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, select your preferred cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or wings. Ensure that you choose fresh chicken and clean it thoroughly, removing any excess fat and skin. Pat the chicken dry before moving on to the next step.

Next, it's time to enhance the flavour of the chicken with a marinade or seasoning blend. You can use a store-bought option or create your own. A simple yet effective seasoning mix includes kosher salt and garlic powder. Apply the marinade or seasoning blend generously to all sides of the chicken pieces, ensuring an even coating. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step allows the flavours to infuse and penetrate the meat, resulting in juicy and flavourful barbecue chicken.

If you're using a rub, there are various options to choose from. You can opt for a classic combination of salt and pepper or go for a specialised rub like Gaylord Hauser's Spike All-Purpose Seasoning. Apply the rub of your choice liberally to the chicken pieces.

Once your chicken is seasoned or rubbed, it's time to get your fire pit table preheated. Adjust the heat to a medium-high setting to ensure even cooking. If you're using charcoal, you can create a reverse flow by starting with charcoal and then alternating with wood splits of cherry and oak for added flavour.

When your fire pit table reaches the desired temperature, it's finally time to start cooking the chicken. Place the chicken pieces on the grill, being mindful of the heat distribution. For chicken breasts, it's best to keep them on the coolest part of the grill or opt for the top rack to prevent drying out. Legs, thighs, and wings can handle longer cooking times and slower cooking temperatures better than breasts.

Use tongs or a grill spatula to safely flip and manoeuvre the chicken pieces during cooking. This will help you achieve the desired level of doneness and maintain the juiciness of the meat. For an extra flavour boost, baste the chicken with your favourite barbecue sauce during the final 15 minutes of cooking, being careful not to burn the sauce.

Cooking the chicken

Cooking chicken on a fire pit is a fun and social way to prepare a meal. It is a little more involved than a traditional barbecue, as it requires a few more steps and a bit of practice to master. However, it is a pretty simple process and a great way to get everyone involved.

Firstly, you will need to gather your equipment and ingredients. You will, of course, need a fire pit with a grill, and fuel for the fire. You can use either charcoal or wood, depending on your preference and the flavour you want to achieve. Wood, such as cedar fencing, can add a smoky flavour to the chicken. You will also need your chicken, with cuts such as drumsticks, thighs, breasts, wings, or halves being popular. Fresh, cleaned chicken is a must.

Next, you will need to season the chicken. You can use a rub, a marinade, or a seasoning blend. Gaylord Hauser's Spike All-Purpose Seasoning is a popular choice, as is Plowboys Yard Bird. You can also simply use salt and pepper, or a barbecue sauce. If you are using a rub or seasoning, coat the chicken liberally and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes so that the flavours can infuse.

Once your chicken is seasoned and your fire pit is preheated, you can start cooking. Place the chicken on the grill and adjust the heat to a medium-high setting. You will need to turn the chicken regularly to ensure even cooking. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can also try skewering the chicken, which is a quick and easy way to cook chicken over a fire pit. Simply thread the meat onto metal skewers, along with any vegetables, and cook over the flames.

Tools and accessories

Fire Pit Table

Start by selecting a suitable fire pit table, which will serve as the centrepiece of your barbecue setup. This provides a dedicated space for building a fire and cooking your chicken. Fire pit tables come in various designs, some with built-in grills or accessories, offering versatility and a unique social experience.

Fuel Source

You'll need to choose your fuel source—charcoal or wood. Charcoal is a popular choice, as it burns efficiently and provides consistent heat. Wood, on the other hand, offers a more rustic experience and can impart a subtle smoky flavour to your chicken, with options like cedar or cherry wood.

Cooking Utensils

Invest in good-quality cooking utensils, such as tongs or a grill spatula. These tools are essential for handling the chicken safely and effectively. They allow you to flip, manoeuvre, and adjust the position of the chicken pieces for even cooking without burning yourself.

Temperature Control

If your fire pit table has temperature control settings, take advantage of them. For chicken, a medium-high heat setting is recommended to ensure thorough cooking without burning. Alternatively, if you're using a traditional fire pit without temperature controls, consider investing in a good thermometer to monitor the heat.

Skewers and Rotisserie

Skewers and rotisserie accessories open up a world of possibilities. Metal skewers are perfect for creating chicken kebabs with vegetables, providing an easy and interactive way to cook over the fire pit. For a more advanced setup, a rotisserie attachment lets you roast whole chickens or large game birds, adding a dramatic touch to your barbecue.

Pots and Pans

Don't shy away from using pots and pans on your fire pit grill. Pot cooking allows you to expand your menu with one-pot recipes like curries and stews. Simply cook them in your oven first, then transfer the pot over the fire pit to keep the dish warm and enjoy even heat distribution.

Remember, fire pit cooking is a versatile and social experience, so feel free to experiment with different tools and accessories to create a unique and memorable barbecue.

Frequently asked questions