by Tracy Morrison

Created on: April 21, 2010

Beer can chicken is flavorful, moist and entertaining. However, cooking it properly and dislodging it can be tricky but following a few simple tips will make it easier. Beer can chicken is excellent for everyone of all ages, yet you may find that a few youngsters may turn their nose up at the aromatic flavor of the beer infused into the chicken meat. Throwing a few hot dogs on the grill at the last minute may not be a bad idea!

First, it is important to ensure you have the proper tools. You need a grill wide enough to allow space for good indirect heat and tall enough to accommodate the chicken (at least 15” of vertical space should be enough for most chickens) as well as a pair of pot holders (silicone pot holders wash best but any clean or laundered ones will work).

Ingredients needed are a whole roaster chicken, an array of spices, non-stick cooking spray, barbecue sauce and, of course, a can of beer. A cake pan and beer can chicken rack (inexpensive at most stores) are helpful but not necessary. Mix approximately 1 teaspoon each of basil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder or whatever spices you like and have on hand in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

Infusing flavor from inside and out is key to good beer can chicken; not a clean process but if you were that classy, you probably wouldn’t be cooking a dish involving impaling a chicken with a beer can! Therefore, use your hands to insert the spice mixture between the skin and meat as far as possible; sprinkle any remaining into the chicken’s cavity.

Next, pour out ½ of the can of beer and add approximately ½ cup barbecue sauce to the can. Spray the beer can or beer can in cooking rack generously with cooking spray. Place the chicken on top of the can so the upright can is inside the chicken's cavity then carefully place it in the middle of a preheated grill, arrange its legs to provide stability and cook with indirect heat for 1 to 1 ½ hours until juices run clear or a meat thermometer reads 170°.

When the chicken is done, use pot holders to remove it from the grill then lift it off the beer can to a serving tray. Cut the chicken into pieces and enjoy!

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