Beer Can Chicken

Looking for something special to make for Dad this Father's Day weekend? We've got the ultimate in summer BBQ food right here! This bird is easy, delicious, and you can mix it up with different rubs all summer long. A beer can in a chicken sound crazy? Trust us...the beer bastes the inside of the chicken keeping the meat moist and delicious while the outside skin is getting crisp and golden. Simply perfect - we promise Dad will love it!

Beer Can Chicken.jpg

Makes 1 chicken

  • 1 x 4 lb free range chicken

  • 1 can of beer room temp.

  • 1 Tb olive oil

Rub

  • 1/4 cup paprika

  • 2 Tbsp. sea salt

  • 1 Tbsp. cumin

  • 1 tsp. cayenne

  • 1 Tbsp. black pepper ground

  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar

  • 1 Tbsp. fennel seed

  • 1 Tbsp. dried oregano

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. This will be enough rub for 2 chickens: save ½ for the next time or cut recipe in ½.

Take the bird out of the fridge 1 hour before you plan to cook it. Remove any wrapping and neck or gizzards from the cavity. Dry the bird off inside and out. Rub with olive oil and then ½ the rub mixture. If you have time do this the night before and leave loosely covered in the fridge overnight.

Meanwhile preheat your bbq to medium high. Open the beer can - I like to use the extra tall ones as they seem to hold the chicken up better. Drink or pour off ½ the can. Place the can up inside the cavity so the chicken is standing upright. Put this on a small baking sheet covered in foil. Place on the bbq and close the lid. If you can, turn off the burners or have the coals on one side of the bbq - that is ideal but with the tray under the chicken it isn’t crucial as the drippings will go into the pan. Cooking will take 1 hr to 1 ¼ hrs - check after 45mins or one gin and tonic later. Insert a sharp paring knife into the thigh and the juices should run clear and the chicken should be at an internal temperature of 165. Remove from the bbq and let rest for 10 minutes before removing the beer can and carving the chicken.

entreesdanielle acken