Pit Barrel Cooker: Chicken Thighs

In this video I bring you along as I fire up the pit barrel cooker and make some secret sauce for some bone in skin on chicken thighs. Mrs. O. makes some NY salt potatoes and my favorite strawberry spinach salad with feta cheese and poppy seed dressing.
-Enjoy!

[@TheRealEricO]

-Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package - 18.5 Inch Drum Smoker: amzn.to/3K8wjbT -Chiavetta's BBQ Marinade: amzn.to/3ThZspc It's so cool reading the comments about the salt potatoes! Pretty much get them with any chicken BBQ you will ever go to here in NY. Here is a tid bit I barrowed from the internet: What is a Salt Potato? The origin of salt potatoes can be traced to the 19th century in the Syracuse, NY area where Irish immigrants working in salt mines prepared the dish on their lunch break. Throughout the Onondaga Lake region, miners would boil small, unpeeled potatoes in salinated brine that was mined from salt springs. In the cooking process, the salty water forms a crust on the potato’s skin and seals it which helps to prevent salt potatoes from tasting waterlogged as ordinary boiled potatoes sometimes do. As a result, salt potatoes have a unique texture that is similar to that of a baked potato. In the decades following their inception, salt potatoes became a regional dish of Central New York and - in more recent years - they are typically served in the summer when young potatoes are first harvested. Salt potatoes are currently a staple food at fairs and barbecues throughout the Central New York region.

[@CPthetooladdict]

Thanks for the back story very interesting 👍

[@bkon4675]

You are correct, never heard of salt potatoes even thou I have a bit of the Irish in me. Sounds good, I'll be trying it out here in Minnesota.

[@John_D75]

I’m in north central Ohio and I’ve never heard of salt potatoes. Definitely going to give them a try though.

[@foodskewed9197]

In nc you just get butter potatoes. Not the salt. Standard practice with any church bbq plate

[@scrappy7571]

Never heard of salt potatoes, my parents grew up in Pittsburgh, and now live in NJ. Gonna give them a try, my heart Dr is gonna be pissed!

[@lalondeguitar]

I came for the car repair videos and I stayed for the cooking videos! I enjoy every last bit of content you put out there! Thank you for sharing your life a bit with us!

[@mph5896]

NY, they salt their potatoes and salt their cars. Never heard of salt potatoes, will have to try them.

[@jamesmac8424]

They're fantastic. I don't find them overly salty, especially if you keep the skins intact. They're a "new" potato, so smaller and more tender. Boiled with butter topping is delicious, as shown.

[@johnasosajr]

They are good I’m from New York about an hour from Eric O I didn’t know until recently that it was a New York thing they are pretty easy to make and they are awesome I’m sure you can videos on how to make them

[@terebrown2892]

What do you mean they salt their cars?

[@jamesmac8424]

@@terebrown2892 There's s lot of salt put on all NYS roads in winter to melt snow sand ice.

[@KevinWindsor1971]

It's a Syracuse thing. Syracuse used to be the country's largest salt producer due to the salt springs that were there around Onondaga Lake. Salt was highly prized in the days before refrigeration to cure and store meats. Grocery stores there sell the potatoes and salt packets together. A good heaping cup of coarse kosher salt per 2 pounds of small white new potatoes is about the ratio you need. You know the ratio is right when they come to a boil and the potatoes want to float. They will leave salt stains on your pot and your stove top. Cook them until they're soft inside. I like to use a toothpick and dip them into melted butter.

[@Thomas_jefferson69]

You got it all in the vid. Beer, dogs, BBQ, and family. God Bless you.

[@andrewgarcia1250]

Thanks for letting us into your home/family time. Everything looks delicious 😋

[@jerryhatrick5860]

I literaly set my drums put the food on, set my vents and go riding for 4-6 hrs come home and my butts or whatever is done when I get home. No digotals. I'm so happy to see you discovered these type of cookers. Because I despise easy bake pellet poopers. Expensive, high maintenance. And every single one I've ever been forced to use cramps out screws up and have to baby sit the damn thing Ugly drums never give me an issue. But I have many years of practice with them. And yes more food slows the cooking, I'm a fan of hot smoking it comes out better better bark on the meats and come out just as tender due to the fact it's a sealed system. Un like easy bake ovens that move a ton of air. If your after a crispier skin. Par boil or steam, render the fat out the skin. The other trick is the refrigerator overnight uncovered. Refrigerators pull moisture. Trust me try it. It works. And come on I to the ugly drum smoker groups on fake book.

[@cgoad]

When Chef Eric gets that Pit Barrel fired up it looks like he could feed most of Avoca! The 1st video with pork....I had just finished my dinner and my mouth started watering and my stomach started growling! 2nd video...chicken, well, repeat! I had just finished eating and now I'm hungry again. Plus we were having a nice thunderstorm. Coincidences? Great looking salad Mrs. O.!

[@frankthomas2231]

That`s the way it is when you fire up the smoker. I`ve had both my pellet smokers, gas grill, and flat top griddle fired up in one day.

[@petersmart1999]

Rule of firing up the smoker,if your gonna fire it up,it takes fuel,so make it worth while,your not gonna fire it up and do 1 rack,or one butt! Might as well load it up!

[@leepennington4649]

Absolutely love the cooking sideshows. 🤘🏻 This has got to be the best channel on KZbin. Love from Kentucky ❤️🤍💙

[@air4ce96]

Diggin’ the recent uploads. Keep ‘em coming!

[@kevinrenn9123]

Just remember folks, If Eric O can do it, so can you, especially after he gives you the recipe! I'm gonna try the marinade and salt potatoes here this weekend

[@pkcruiser]

Hi! I live in sweden and i’ve never heard of salt potatoes but it sounds interesting. Will definitely try. Thanks for all your videos!

[@hexaforce]

Since the start of charter tours to the Canary island the dish has come into the nordic countries.. Called Canary-potatoes (Kanaripoteter)or "saltpoteter"(saltypotatoes) in Norway 👍

[@rjlkc4668]

Never heard of it here in eastern Canada. We do have the Acadian poutine and rapee which is a grated potato and salt pork. Poutine looks like a snowball and the rapee is a flat dish. Probably one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.

[@klaw163]

Really digging the second channel reboot! Thanks for sharing this stuff with us, I've been getting into more "creative" foods and ways to cook them lately so this is right up my alley and awesome 👍

[@robpeters5204]

Mr. O. You are a lucky man. Mrs. O is a keeper! Try a raspberry vinaigrette in that salad. It will make that salad pop!

[@klwthe3rd]

I never heard of Salt potatoes before and i was born and raised in Connecticut. I live down south now and i haven't heard of them down here either. First time watching Eric O's other channel and it was pretty dang awesome. I do love chicken especially when it's been marinade in a secret sauce.

[@DAI26554]

My mom used to do salt pototoes every sunday wish she was still here she passed away in 2018 a week of thanksgiving looks like i am planning a trip to upper new york to Chef Erics house for dinner

[@adobo8383]

Eric's second channel is a hidden gem for sure!

[@philipallard8026]

Down in North Carolina here and I’ve never heard of salt potatoes here. With enough butter anything is Devine. North Carolina is very big on vinegar barbecue sauces so you get a great endorsement from here.

[@milleraudio3280]

No Salt Potato’s in NJ where we grew up or NC where we’ve lived for the past 20 plus years. My wife just got me a pit barrel for Christmas, so I appreciate these videos!

[@Papa7557]

All the fancy dishes (salad looks yummy, the chicken look delicious) you did a fantastic job Eric! Thanks Mrs “O” for making the salad. Also in California southern or northern no salted potatoes 🥔. This is the first time I heard of this.

[@hilltopmachineworks2131]

So funny. We have a GSD and a Husky too. They are just like yours. The Husky lounges around and the Shepherd wants to play constantly.

[@scburg66]

Moved here from Utah 6 years ago. We live in the Cortland area just south of Syracuse. It was the first time we ever had salt potatoes. Good eats! The chicken looks fantastic.

[@CPthetooladdict]

Never heard of salt potatoes in the Midwest you guys are family culinary artists I'm hungry now dang it! Lol great video thanks for sharing,.

[@SouthMainAuto]

That is so interesting. I heard they were reginal but I wasn't sure how reginal and how far they have spread across the USA

[@dustinlang9278]

From around Oswego & Watertown, Only ever had them in Upstate NY, Moved all around the US and people have never heard of them. We would stock up when visiting and make it for friends and they loved them.

[@erwinallen2309]

My wife grew up in New York and I am from Idaho needless to say we have salt potatoes a lot and I love them.

[@golfmaniac]

Great all American family. Car repairs, grilling, archery, shooting, and enjoying a brew. Just enjoying life, don't get any better than this folks. Lived in Michigan my whole life, never heard of a salt potato. Shows how a certain area can have something they enjoy, that no one else even knows about.

[@1jackvalley580]

Chicken looks super great, I can almost smell it here in Minnesota. I'm still laughing my A** off when I heard you talking about the "salmonella sauce" and saw you mopping it over the top of the chicken 🐔 but I agree with Mrs O that raw chicken is a salmonella issue when it's raw but since you kept cooking it in the pit after putting it over the chicken again it's safe, but I'd sure as heck throw that little chicken "Mopper Topper" thingy in the Neighbors garbage. I'm going to make that "Salmonella Salad" it looks really good. Another fun video, Thanks for taking us along 🙏🐔🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️

[@cortneybudau1700]

Mrs.O is pretty slick with that carving knife!

[@jormalonnberg1578]

Hi , Eric, looks gooood, We here in Finland cook those fresh spring potatoes with salt and dillstems, and sprinkle rest of dill on them when serving, to side melted butter mixed with fresh oniongreens or leak finely chopped. You should try it. And ONE more thing, you must try some of those Indian Tandoori recepies in your pitbarrel 😋😋

[@BBQPITDOG]

I've only seen salt potatoes up near Binghamton when I worked there years ago on helicopters for Sikorsky. Love Pit Barrel chicken. It's the best! Great looking dinner y'all!

[@seastacker8582]

Love the classic chicken thighs. Underrated bbq meat. Cooks up fantastic and are super cost effective. It takes a little time to prep/ trim em, but well worth it. Also… from Michigan. Never heard of salt potatoes. Clearly gotta try them now.

[@amundsonjm]

I absolutely love these pit barrel videos Eric and Vanessa! Keep them coming! Cheers from Wisconsin!

[@DownRange02]

Born & raised in KY. 50 years old. Never heard of salt potatoes. Gonna try them now for sure though!

[@dirtroadsailing6418]

Those chicken thighs look great. My North Carolinian born grandfather would have approved of the vinegar based marinade, he used to have an entire back porch dedicated to smoking and made a great vinegar based BBQ sauce. I have never heard of salt potatoes, I'm going to try them.

[@jimrodgers3684]

Best advice ever: "Grab a beer and stand by." - Eric O. 2022

[@bassbone52]

Eric O. and Mrs. O. - the best couple on KZbin!

[@alansullivan5913]

Never heard of salt potatoes but it sounds like how I eat them anyway 🤣 I'm from Illinois about 300 miles south of Chicago I love potatoes with salt pepper and lots of butter love the video

[@billbrigham7514]

Can't believe I just watched Eric cook chicken for a half hour.. ;) Eric, you're the embodiment of what many of us wish we were and how our country should be. Keep it up Sir.

[@DrLee65]

I never knew this channel existed I am old lol, omgoodness Eric O. can cook too!!?? Never watched a Pit Barrel in action, that's cool. I think I would have to pass on the Salt Potatoes my BP would probably be sky high, lol, beautiful family stay blessed 🙋🏾

[@tubecoatue]

So nice to see more content with Mrs. O.

[@benjaminstockton3917]

Eric O. That chicken looked good buddy tell Mrs O. The salad looked awesome appreciate you guy's

[@markpieklik8246]

Greetings from Syracuse. Salt potatoes a summertime favorite.

[@kebova1]

Originally from Oswego, love me some salt potatoes! From what I understand the salt is slightly different than table salt. Always have them a few times while up north on our summer vacations! And don't forget the bucks seasoning, also regional to the Syracuse area.

[@donaldsanders7234]

Oh how I miss the salt potatoes and speedies at the NYS fair. I went to school at Syracuse University, and lived in Syracuse for most of the 80s. Have not been to the fair in 30+ years. Thanks for the memories!

[@harveybrimer1054]

I'm in central illinois and I have never heard of a salt potatoe, wife called her dad in Pennsylvania and they were all about the salt potatoe lol, love the cooking vids, and farm vids!!!

[@mrplasticpete]

From Arkansas and never heard of making potatoes like that before. But I will have to try it someday. Thanks for a new recipe. And keep up the good work. Love the content.

[@TheShop10]

Malcom Reed would be proud Eric. Great cooking video

[@TheRealEricO]

Malcom is the man!

[@ronwatson4902]

Never heard of salt potatoes in S.C. but will definately give them a try. Who doesn't love salt and butter you said. Really liking this cooking show and I'm cooking your mac n cheese for a birthday party Labor Day weekend. Thanks Yall!

[@KayakTN]

My go-to salad is spinach, dried cranberries, pecans, and Newman’s honey balsamic. Tasty.

[@dustinwalker7849]

Didn’t know there was a second channel but I do enjoy it. I usually start my chimney with a wad of paper towels, can also add oil on them for an extended burn. Works if you run out of tumbleweeds. Also, skin side up will render out some of the fat first so it doesn’t flare as bad when you flip it if doing normal grilling vs skin side down first.

[@a1f1l65]

Texas here - Never heard of salt potatos, will give them a try. Chicken looks really good.

[@Wayman_Simmang]

Your are the PITMASTER Eric!! That Chicken looks good and crispy too!!

[@TotalDestructionStudios]

Tried this recipe last summer to break in my new smoker! Ended up making some pulled chicken sandwiches. They were amazing! Thanks Eric!

[@waynegarrison2481]

Lived in Maryland 55 years, West Virginia 13 years now Holland Michigan ...NEVER heard of salt potatoes.. an I love to cook. Professional Firefighter for 30 years.

[@daviddelle774]

First thing I noticed was your hat. I love that place! It's only a few miles from where I work. My dad used to make a recipe almost the same as yours and put it in a garden sprayer to use on big racks of chicken at our annual Lyon's Club chicken BBQ. When I was a young pup, it was my job to mix big batches of that and carry it out to him and the other men at the pit to refill the sprayers. This brings back fond memories!

[@jimrandall1206]

As a former NY resident there are a few things I miss. Hoffman Hotdogs, Good beer salt potato's are top 3. I use you base recipe for BBQ sauce, it was a staple in fire department chicken BBQs all around CNY. it was discovered at Cornell university.

[@justthetip96]

Love these videos too. Thanks for sharing this with us. Thank Mrs. O too. She adds just that much more to the videos.

[@edharry3984]

This was great ! Eric & Mrs. O thanks for inviting me along . I got my wife to watch too. Ed

[@rezmedic57]

LOVE the vinegar marinades, also salt potatoes are so good

[@innercityprepper]

MN lifer here -- the minute I found out about salt potatoes (a few years ago) I absolutely did them and I do them all the time.

[@mrenfilade7178]

I'm loving the channel reboot, Eric O. We're going to try that marinade/mop sauce recipe very soon! Seems to me like a Carolina mop sauce modified for chicken -- genius! +1 Like

[@hgoff5617]

Never thought I'd get BBQ and cooking tips from my mechanic! We live in Flyover Country and have never seen a salt potato. I did know of them via the internet, but they are not in the Midwest. Great video - I liked the simple spinach salad and chicken marinate. will try them.

[@robertfreeman-of3ts]

I have lived in Oregon my whole life and never heard of salt potato's ? Sound good.

[@stephenmorrissey1254]

I do appreciate that a guy who can't smell has his own cooking channel! Subscribed!

[@jbrhel]

Wonderful. Once again, great to see you and yours out of the shop and just living. I want some chicken and salad!

[@jbrhel]

Thanks man. Be happy.

[@ChrisLincolnHomes]

Good ole BBQ Pitmaster! I do like my Weber Smokey Mountain but I would like another off set smoker. Nice job Eric.

[@markmichlewicz5141]

Love these cooking videos.

[@mbazzy123]

Dang Mr O I am now hungry I guess I know what I am cooking this weekend. Nice recipe thanks for posting.

[@mrpiccolo23]

Made all three for lunch today. Unique salad. Can't go wrong with potato and salt! Two thumbs up!

[@ericwooden7304]

Salt potatoes are new to me being a Kansan, but going to give it a whirl. Thanks for the great video and a new dish to try.

[@bearallen852]

Can’t go wrong with a Weber Kettle grill. Especially if you get the 70th anniversary special, the colors are really nice. I have the hot rod blue.

[@craig9802]

I've spent most of the last 30 years watching cooking shows, starting with Julia Child. Thanks to you, I had a PBX on my wish list, which I received for Christmas. The first 2 racks of ribs turned out well, though they could have used another hour, I think. I really appreciated when you showed using two linked hooks on the ribs - I almost lost a slab into the coals after 3 hours. Anyway, thanks for taking me down another rabbit hole of deliciousness. Cheers. Chicken thighs are on the menu next week.

[@billridings3153]

Absolutely awesome! Chicken thighs are my favorite. We used to have salt potatoes all the time. My grandmother cooked with them all the time time. We had them in the local stores always. Here in the Albany NY area. If your going to do a dish with potatoes, make it the salt ones. Excellent video! Man, I’m hungry.

[@ryanduerr6875]

Born and Raised in San Antonio, Texas and salt potatoes are new to me. Sounds delicious. Classic yard bird with skin on is super delicious when qued up!!!!

[@Darren.R]

I believe salt potatoes started in the Syracuse area by Hinerwadels grove. They were a staple item every summer at bbq’s anywhere in the Syracuse area when I was growing up.

[@gunnarpoe929]

Sweet Eric, Skip the oil in the marinade. It hinders the salt dissolving and there’s plenty of fat in the thighs even if the skin is removed. No need to flip the meat if the temp is around 425. It’ll get crispy and cook fully in less than half an hour. Probably 15-20 @ 425 unless of the super chicken variant. We use the push test at Fait Maison (pinky to thumb firmness) but a meat thermometer is fool proof. Mrs. O cuts on the pull like a pro. Most push when they cut and crush the product. Love always, gp Ps Forshner makes great budget friendly knives.

[@stephengillette355]

I have never heard of or had salt potatoes. Down here in Arizona, twice baked potatoes is the bomb. Thank you for allowing me into your home and sharing the afternoon with me.

[@rogerchevelle8543]

Thanks for the video Eric O. Love this channel as much as the Southmain Auto.👊

[@DaFrostyG]

Had to turn on notifications for this channel. Watching BBQ while eating BBQ.

[@bulldogmotorsports9522]

I like this cooking with Eric O. Its nice seeing the O's outside of the shop. Been watching for a long time. Love your videos Eric.

[@thomasbrown9402]

You could also cook your basting marinade in a small saucepan if you wanted to use it as a dipping sauce at the table.

[@jlancaster7482]

I’m from GA. Never heard of or had salt potatoes.

[@nurseratchet2634]

From Massachusetts, and I’ve never heard of salt potatoes. Great looking meal there. 👍

[@larryanderson2008]

I enjoy all your videos, on the salt potatoes, here in the Midwest we go with thick cut potatoes and equal amount of onions with generous butter. Foil pack on the grill or 20 min microwave. Squirt bottle of the marinade is fast.

[@GarthGoldberg]

Wow, now I can get my cooking and car repair knowledge from the same source.

[@williamseric72]

from central Illinois here and i have never heard of salt potatoes, but im gonna give it a try. Sounds good!

[@slayer0138]

I have done these before after watching Chef John do them. They are a regular side dish for my family now. Greetings from Alabama.

[@luckyone9272]

I grew up in Waterloo, NY and the fire stations raised money by selling their BBQ'd 1/2 chicken marinated in the Cornell recipe (close to your marinade), salt potatoes and a roll for $5 (late 70's early 80's). Good eats. I make it often now for my family who loves it. The marinade is also great on pork. keep up the great vids.

[@lloydspooner]

Born and raised in Wyoming and live in the inland northwest last 40 years and never heard of salt potatoes. I can smell the chicken from here lol

[@MrHondaguy1]

I’m from North Carolina and we don’t have the salt potatoes. However I have heard of them. A coworker from Syracuse NY like you mentioned was telling me about them once. I really like these videos as much as the shop videos in fact.

[@zinner927]

I am living down in North Carolina, we just got Wegmans down here, and I go there to buy muh salt potatoes! From Geneva, NY originally! They are surely a Western NY dish!

[@rusilver01]

Weber kettle grill is great for quick charcoal grill items.

[@alexfigy5355]

From Arizona and have never heard or nor tried salt potatoes but going to have to try them now!

[@timpage2976]

Glad to see you revived this channel Mr. O, learning some cooking ideas to throw at my misses.

[@kevinkoepke8311]

I'm gonna have to try salt potatoes. Thanks Eric and Vanessa!

[@littleshopintheshed]

And he writes.... Definitely 1 of my 2 favorite salads that I actually eat. Going to try those potatoes this weekend!! Love always, Adam

[@Mr.Z1776]

Thank you for inviting us into your home!! 🍗🍖🍓🥗🧂🥔

[@thomasbargo4602]

Never heard of salt potatoes. I need to try them, especially in a vat of butter. Sounds delicious, potatoes, salt, and butter.

[@robertdibble3510]

Salt potatoes are a NY thing. I grew up in Oneida just east of Syracuse. When I moved to Virginia 40 years ago I had to introduce them to folks here.

[@CBphotographer]

Just had a thought. If you want to use pit barrel for a grill can you put a grill midway up and put the fire basket on it. Then put a grill at the top . That way the fire would be closer to the meat and you could use less charcoal .

[@JP-pl9mv]

Awesome video, look forward to many more PBC ideas.

[@GeekBoyMN]

Lived in OK, TX and now MN and never heard of salt potatoes. Might have to try them.