Is it safe to use the juice from the drip tray? Or would it be contaminated with some raw meat juice?
This is a great answer.
Yes it is fine to use the chicken juice from the drip tray providing that the tray is hot in the smoker (which it usually is) and the juice has been taken above 165 F. If you are using it to make a sauce or gravy that has been brought to the boil then that is fine.
I would not use them though if your smoker has a system where the juices drain into an external tray or bucket whist the bird is cooking as it will have been left sitting at room temperature for the duration of the cook. Boiling it whilst preparing the sauce/gravy will technically make it safe however I would not want to eat it and therefore I would not feed it to others - personal preference.
This is perfect! thanks for your response.
Yes it is fine to use the chicken juice from the drip tray providing that the tray is hot in the smoker (which it usually is) and the juice has been taken above 165 F. If you are using it to make a sauce or gravy that has been brought to the boil then that is fine.
I would not use them though if your smoker has a system where the juices drain into an external tray or bucket whist the bird is cooking as it will have been left sitting at room temperature for the duration of the cook. Boiling it whilst preparing the sauce/gravy will technically make it safe however I would not want to eat it and therefore I would not feed it to others - personal preference.
I do something similar to David - If you get a lot of juices from your ribs, pork shoulder, brisket etc. then after you have scraped the fat off the top you can add some of your favourite beer and bring to a simmer. Throw in a couple of leaves of gelatin, pour into a flat baking tray and allow to set in the fridge. Once set, cut into inch cubes and then freeze separated on a tray. They are great to add to things like beans to give a greater depth of flavour. With small amounts then the ice cube trays are great.
I use them all the time. I put in fridge for a few and remove the grease from the top. If I have more than I am using at the time I put it in ice cube trays and freeze. I then put them in a bag for later use. You can pull out as much as you want.
Says the man that makes shmutz, el pollo lardo.Honestly chicken drippings are fine too, as long as the temps are okay. I use poultry drippings for making gravy, and super stock.