TGIF! Beer Can Chicken
4 Comments | Written on June 4, 2010 at 5:00 am , by Kristina Vanni
This summer, every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day we will be celebrating TGIF – “Think Grilling It’s Friday!” Come back to “The Daily Dish” every Friday for a new grilling recipe. From chicken to burgers, ribs to veggies, and even dessert! We will be grilling it all. You can learn new techniques and get ideas for your weekend backyard BBQ.
I thought we would kick things off with one of my favorites, Beer Can Chicken! Buying a whole roaster is a fantastic, budget-friendly option and it is extra fun to prepare it on the grill. Plus, I think it is kinda funny to see the bird “perched” on top of a beer can! Wine, juice or other liquid can also be used to infuse flavor and retain moisture.
BEER CAN CHICKEN WITH CHILI AND SPICE RUB
Chili and Spice Rub:
1/4 cup chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Directions for preparing chicken for grill:
1. Remove neck and giblets from a 5-pound roasting chicken. Rinse chicken, then pat dry inside and outside with paper towels.
2. Rub prepared spice mixture all over chicken. Hold the chicken upright with the opening of the body cavity at the bottom, and lower it onto a half-filled can of beer so the can fits into the cavity. Pull the chicken legs forward so the bird rests on its legs and the can. Twist wing tips behind back. Stuff a lemon quarter into the neck cavity.
3. For a charcoal grill, arrange medium-hot coals around a drip pan. Stand chicken upright on grill rack over drip pan. Cover and grill for about 2 hours or until chicken is no longer pink. (180 degrees in thigh muscle). If necessary, tent chicken with foil to prevent over-browning. If using a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Adjust for indirect cooking. If necessary, remove upper grill racks so chicken will stand upright. Grill as above.
4. Remove chicken from grill, holding by the can. Cover with foil; let stand for 10 minutes. Use a hot pad to grasp can and heavy tongs to carefully remove the chicken.
(There are many inexpensive, specialty beer can chicken holders on the market. Check hardware or kitchen stores. They work great and are easier to handle.)
Categories:
Better Recipes, Dinner Tonight, Fast and Fabulous, Fresh and Healthy | Tags: Chicken Recipes, Easy Recipes, Grilled Recipes, Healthy Recipes, Low-Carb Recipes
4 Comments | Post Your Comment
4 Responses to “TGIF! Beer Can Chicken”
Beer can chicken always turns out well. I love the combination of seasonings you’ve used here. Spicy is right up my alley!
Thanks Kristi! Isn’t Beer Can Chicken fun? Glad you enjoyed my spicy take on the recipe. Stay tuned all summer long for more fun grilling recipes!
[...] personal favorite…Beer Can Chicken! In the oven or on the grill, it is always moist, flavorful, and delicious. For this contest, you can use a whole chicken, the [...]
[...] favorite way to prepare chicken on the grill is Beer Can Chicken! It couldn’t be easier and the result is always a perfectly cooked, juicy and tender [...]