 | Brian Bulot is manager of G&W Foods in Girard and has been in the Grocery Retail business for 27 years. For more information please call 620-724-4411. |
Food & Drink
2012-08-02 11:21:04
How do you make beer can chicken?
Q- We enjoy having weekly gatherings with friends and family in the backyard and preparing all the summer ritual tastes on the grill. I'd like to switch it up a bit by making this "beer can chicken". I've heard it called "beer can chicken", "beer butt chicken", etc…Sounds like it is really the best tasting chicken ever when done properly. How do you go about making this?
A- I am not sure why, but something about beer can chicken is completely appealing to most guys. Sure, the ladies may love the fall-off-the-bone tenderness and incredible flavor, but guys love the concept of beer-and-barbecue. Chances are good that this will be a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
1 4 lb chicken (whole)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 opened can of beer at room temperature
1 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp black pepper
1. Prepare your grill for indirect heat (for instance if it has 3 burners, just light the left two).
2. Clear the cavity of the chicken and rinse the chicken, pat dry with a paper towel.
3. Mix the seasonings of salt, thyme and black pepper in a bowl.
4. Rub the chicken with olive oil then sprinkle with seasonings.
5. Gulp half the beer to where you have a half can left, then place the chicken over the opened can so the can is inserted into the butt of the chicken, holding the chicken upright (use the legs to stabilize). Yes, it looks ridiculous which, I suppose, is one of the reasons it is enjoyable to make.
6. Place the chicken upright on the cooler side of the grill and cover. Don’t even check on it for the first hour. After that time, check the temperature. If it is between 160-165 degrees F, then you are good to go. Otherwise, check every 15 minutes or so.
7. Remove the chicken from the grill carefully (the fluid in the can is quite hot!). Discard the can before carving.
The skin will be crispy and the meat will fall off the bone. You can use cola too and get the same results, but there is just something about beer infused chicken that makes this recipe, well, fun. You can also experiment with the spices (or place some in the beer can before insertion) to give it your signature touch.
