My first cook on the PBC!

[jasonwilliams14]

Hey folks! I thought I would share my first cook on my PBC.
I picked up a PBC couple weeks ago and due to family vacation and travel for work my cooking was delayed.

My first cook was chicken halves (we are having a heat wave in SoCal so the family wanted to chicken.)
I picked up two whole chickens from the store.
I cut them in half (this was a first, but been wanting to do it) and then seasoned them.

I started up the PBC and then put my halves on a little later.
The TLDR version was WOW!
I have NEVER made chicken so juicy! I was blown away with how the chicken came out.
the PBC appears so simple but effective.

I am really looking forward to trying out things to cook on my PBC now.
I also learned quite a few things.
A few notes.

Interestingly, I think learning to cook on my weber kettle the past 2 years helped me understand things like temperature, vents etc....i felt comfortable with what was going on.

One side of the barrel seemed to be a tad hotter than the other. When I looked in the charcoal basket, I noticed the side that was in the path of the vent, seemed to be burning more. It is very possible that I need to learn the lighting for the PBC a bit better, but either way, it worked great.

I used the suggestion from the thread on how to shut down my PBC. i pulled out the basket, put it in my kettle and shut the vents. Worked great.

I need to learn how to cook halves better. First for me, but definitely will plan again.
I need to learn how to probe a bit better to get better accuracy on where things are at i the chicken.

overall, a resounding success!!
Here is the pic from my chicken halves.

[Duanessmokedmeats]

The Pit Barrels are great chicken cookers.
It does seem to be hotter in the front when you first start out, but it gets hotter in the back further on. But the heat swirls around in there, so it evens out.

[jasonwilliams14]

It was pretty fun experience. I learned some things and the food turned out great. I am definitely excited to cook again in the PBC!

[dpearce]

There's lots of lighting advice on here. I'll admit, I haven't tried all of them. And maybe I'm lazy, but I tend to put the lighted briquettes in the center of the basket, and go from there.

Also, I don't tend to get a lot of wind on the side of the PBC with the vent, so I'm sure that helps.

[jasonwilliams14]

I think playing around with different methods will be fun and learning. THere is great info on this board that has been helpful

[RonB]

Congrats on the new cooker, and the successful first cook.

[jasonwilliams14]

Thank you! Have to admit, at clean up and the family being fed....the PBX popped into my mind! :laugh

[Ace]

@jasonwilliams14 Outstanding and nicely done. As a new PBC operator myself, I can tell you that you're right on track on the learning curve. Enjoy the journey. It's a fun one...

[jasonwilliams14]

TY very much!

[RichieB]

Thanks for sharing and they look perfectly cooked. As time goes on, you'll find what works best for you.

[Purc]

You nailed this cook! Those chickens look perfect.

[Panhead John]

+1 👍

[mrichie1229]

I agree! 👍

[jasonwilliams14]

It was a lot of fun. by far, the best chicken I have cooked. Super moist and juicy. TY!

[jayjordan]

Great job!

[jecucolo]

The chicken looks fantastic! Great job! I have been cooking on a PBC for about 10 years. I still love to cook on it. Wait until you try ribs. It will make you a hero and a legend!

[Huskee]

I agree, the PBC is a chicken cooking machine. I think it's the best chicken cooker on earth. Yours look outstanding!

[Gusto]

Nice job, that is beautiful looking chicken. I have a PBC too so I know that it is also great tasting chicken. Enjoy experimenting with your PBC.

[HawkerXP]

PBC, PBC, PBC!

Nice lookin chicken!

[TomfromtheSoo]

+1

[2-7]

Great job with those chickens!

[barelfly]

Winner winner, PBC PBC PBC yardbird dinner!!!!!!!!!

[TripleB]

Your pics has encouraged me to roast some chicken this week. Nice cook!