Dean's, you did a great job on your first cook! To answer your questions, you can sear with the lid up or down. I prefer lid down to prevent flare ups. Basically, place chicken on grill directly over coals and cover with lid. Wait a few mins then check the progress. When one side of the chicken has the correct you want, flip to other side and put the lid down again. After a few more minutes, check the progress again. Once chicken has the look you want, move it over to indirect heat, put lid back down and just let it cook.
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