How do you get crispy chicken skin on a pellet grill? You can get crispy chicken on a pellet grill by drying the chicken skin and rolling in baking powder before grilling. There is also the parboiled method which involves boiling your chicken for some minutes.
The thought of crispy chicken can have us all salivating and if you do have a pellet grill. Then, it’s time you know how to make those delicious crispy chicken on a pellet grill. Pellet girls are unlike charcoal grills, it makes use of ignited wood pellets and a system of fans to cook food to a certain temperature.
If you like the taste of smoked meats, pellet grills are considered the best choice. Charcoal grills are believed to give the best smoky meat however pellet grills are next in line, and they are even more versatile.
Pellet grills run on wood pellets which makes them cheaper to maintain and run.
The method of grilling these days has gotten better and so many recipes for your chickens as well. There is no reason for you not to try as much pellet grill chicken or smoked meat as you want.
You will be amazed at the advantages of owning a pellet grill. This is a type of grill that is not as common as the gas grill or charcoal, but it’s considered even more efficient. So, if you do have it at home, it’s time to get those crispy chicken skin with it.
Understanding Your Pellet Grill And Its Uses
Pellet grills tend to have lots of benefits compared to other types of grills. If you like the taste of smoke then it’s considered an ideal substitute for a charcoal grill. This type of grill uses ignited wood pellets and a system fan to heat food to a certain temperature. It is quite versatile, it can be used to smoke, braise, grill, and even bake.
If you also like making classic meals then pellet grills are the perfect fit for that. It can be used in making ribs, briskets, and pulled pork. Other surprising foods you can make with pellet grills include fish and chops.
Pellet grills are designed for those who want to do more than grilling. It enables you to cook steaks and burgers as well which explains why many find it to be worth the price compare to other popular types of grills. This type of grill is more like an oven, so you shouldn’t have issues operating or cooking with it.
How to Get Crispy Chicken Skin On A Pellet Grill
Pellet grills are specifically designed for smoking and braising, hence you can make delicious crispy chicken skin on them.
Here are 3 methods that can enable you to get crispy chicken skin on the pellet grill and due to the slow technique of pellet grills, you should get crispy chicken skin in no time.
Making nice crispy chicken skin on a pellet grill is not rocket science, and you must have some patience with any of the 3 methods you choose. Chickens are naturally moist, so you shouldn’t have any issue getting the right taste and texture with any of these methods below.
1. Baking Powder Method
This is the first type of method on the list since it’s quite popular. Baking powder is an acidic agent and is often used in marinating meats hence it can be used to achieve crispy chicken skins on pellet grills. Baking powder can work in raising the chicken’s pH level, and it works best on thighs, wings, or drummies.
You can simply too in your chicken and have it coated with baking powder, however, there are also lots of recipes that can help achieve a crispy chicken using baking powder.
Seasoning ingredients you will need:
- Lemon powder
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Curry powder
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
Here is how to go about it:
- First, remove excess moisture by drying with a paper towel or have salt included to dry out the skin
- Wrap with a cookie sheet and place in the freeze for 4 hours to enable the skin dry
- Mix all your seasoning ingredients listed above in a bowl
- Remove your chicken and put it into this bowl and remove any excess
- Put into your pellet grill and smoke at the required temperature.
2. Cheese Cloth And Butter Method
Here is another safe and suitable method you can try. The cheesecloth and butter method is often used for grilling turkey but yes, you can also have it give you that crispy chicken while you cook slow and low on your pellet grill. This method is best for wings and spatchcocked chicken.
- Melt as much butter as you need to coat the whole chicken, you can start with less and increase if you need more to avoid wasting butter
- Wet a cheesecloth that can cover the chicken. Keep it damp but not dripping
- Coat your chicken with the melted butter and wrap with the cheesecloth
- Next grill your chicken in the pellet at 200 degrees F
- Expect a crispy tasty chicken in no time.
3. Parboiled Chicken
The parboiled method happens to be quite simple to understand, but it takes more effort and time. It is also very efficient if you are cooking chicken thighs or wings.
Also, you do not need any extra sauce to achieve crispy chicken with this method.
You just need to follow the process listed below for a crispy chicken in a pellet grill.
- Place your chicken in a pot with water above the chicken and cover it
- Set the timer to 10 minutes to bring the water and chicken to a boil
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to dry
- Next, wring out excess heat from the chicken by squeezing in a towel
- Pat the chicken dry and place in your pellet grill
- Place in your grill for 40 to 45 minutes at 425 degrees temperature.
How To Get Crispy Chicken Skin On A Pellet Grill FAQs
Here are some FAQs to assist you further on how to get crispy chicken skin on a pellet grill.
What temperature do you smoke chicken on a pellet grill?
The temperature you need to set for smoking your chicken tends to depend on the size of the chicken. 21/2 or 3 hours is suitable for 5lb. chicken at 225 or 250 degrees F.
Does baking powder make chicken skin crispy?
Yes, the baking powder helps break down the peptide bond of chickens which will result in crispy chicken skin. Whether you sprinkle just the single thigh, wings, or the entire bird, you can still get tastier and crispier chicken. The bubbles the baking powder forms on the chicken are exactly what provide you with crispy chicken skin.
Should chicken be room temp before smoking In a pellet grill?
Smoking in a grill pellet is similar to using the oven. Hence, your chicken doesn’t have to be room temp before smoking, although some people think this is the best way to get great results. Before putting on the heat, you can place it in the cooler for 2-3 hours.
Do you flip chicken when smoking?
Yes, you can flip your chicken about halfway through when smoking, if you want all-around brown skin and crispy skin. After seasoning your chicken, place it on the pellet grill grate and close the lid, you can flip it after 30 seconds.
Should I spray chicken while grilling?
To avoid your chicken sticking to the grates, you should grease it properly before grilling. For perfectly grilled chicken, smoke until it reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees and spritz after an hour. You can spritz every 20 to 25 minutes after.
Wrapping Up
The low and slow cooking technique of a pellet grill will ensure you get that smoky flavor you desire.
Simply drying the skin with a power towel before grilling can also help you get that crispiness you crave. However, note that the baking powder is the best way to get a crispier chicken while the butter method is best suited for getting light crispiness and brown-skinned chicken skin.
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