smoking whole chickens for family Thanksgiving

[mrob22]

I have been asked to smoke chickens for my wife's family Thanksgiving. I will be cooking for about 35 people. I have never cooked more than a few at a time. I was wondering roughly how many will I need to feed that many people. Half of them will be kids so I do not anticipate them eating a whole lot. I am thinking maybe 8 chickens at 3-4 lb range?? Also plan on brining them which will be new to me. I am going to cook one this weekend to try it out

 

[biteme7951]

I like to figure a bird per 4 people. you do not want to run short and the leftovers are great! You will not be disappointed by brining them either.

Good luck with your test run.

Barry.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Four people per bird is about right. Keep in mind that the kids if they are like the ones in my family will all want drumsticks.

Consider spatchcocking them prior to cooking if you have the room in you smoker.

Check out this thread:

http://smokingmeatforums.com/index.php?threads/eight-whole-chickens-and-blow-torch-nachos.131323/

Look at the poultry section here:

http://smokingmeatforums.com/index....ega-mother-of-all-cooking-links-index.191066/

 

[troutman]

You also might want to consider leg quarters and separate breasts. Not as much hassle and all eats the same!!

 

[chopsaw]

Last time I did this for a crowd . I did whole breast , and parts , ( legs and thighs ) . Left the legs whole and picked the thighs
HOWEVER ,,, I did leave one bird whole because that's what some like to see . I get it . Nice truss on a whole smoked bird looks good .

 

[Rings Я Us]

Would be nice to have those necks and backbones in a big ziploc for soup too.

 

[mrob22]

Another thing that I forgot to ask is I will have to put in pans covered with foil I have some thick foam coolers I was going to put them in to transport for about a 30 min drive. If I carry them like that I realize they will continue to rise in temp but will it be a big enough increase to cause the meat to dry out or will they be ok?

 

[Rings Я Us]

Another thing that I forgot to ask is I will have to put in pans covered with foil I have some thick foam coolers I was going to put them in to transport for about a 30 min drive. If I carry them like that I realize they will continue to rise in temp but will it be a big enough increase to cause the meat to dry out or will they be ok?

Your taking them out at 165 or so. They might be just right in an hour.. They won't cook further.