Beer Can Chicken
This is a North American version of cooking chicken where the chicken is placed upright on a partially filled can of beer. It is then cooked slowly in a barbecue or oven. The can is placed in the opening of the chicken so that the beer evaporates and permeates the chicken. It received its name due to way the chicken wobbles once the beer has evaporated. The wobbling and falling usually indicates the chicken is done.
Total Steps
6
Ingredients
8
Tools Needed
4
Ingredients
- 0 <a href="/food/3XTHR638/butter">butter</a>
- 0 <a href="/food/SWV3CGDQ/pepper">pepper</a>
- 0 <a href="/food/7WDLGSY7/salt">salt</a>
- 0 <a href="/food/FQRPFPP6/garlic">garlic</a> and <a href="/food/BHJGJDBX/onion-powder">onion powder</a>, for sprinkling
- 0 pinch of thyme, or herbs of your choice
- 1 clove <a href="/food/FQRPFPP6/clove-garlic">clove garlic</a>, minced
- 1 can of <a href="/food/SNT2DHP5/beer">beer</a>
- 7 pound <a href="/recipe/DWFHMGQF/roasting">roasting</a> <a href="/food/L8P58TMC/chicken">chicken</a>
Instructions
Step 1
Remove <a href="/technique/2V2PRWTZ/grilling">grilling</a> surface and place a drip pan in the center of the <a href="/technique/5SXY5X8X/barbecue">barbecue.</a> Add water or beer to the pan and replace the grates. Make sure the pan never runs out of cooking liquid during the cooking process.
Step 2
<a href="/technique/H3S4YV46/pre-heat">Pre-heat</a> <a href="/technique/5SXY5X8X/barbecue">barbecue</a> on high for 15 minutes, then <a href="/technique/H3TYV2MZ/reduce">reduce</a> <a href="/technique/XZFHRHHF/heat">heat</a> to medium.
Step 3
Remove any excess fat from the bottom of the chicken. <a href="/technique/DYM522S6/rub">Rub</a> chicken with butter, <a href="/technique/DPSVTKVY/salt">salt</a> and pepper. Sprinkle with garlic powder and onion powder, if desired.
Step 4
Open <a href="/technique/TPWNYF5L/can">can</a> of beer and pour about an inch out of the <a href="/technique/TPWNYF5L/can">can.</a> Punch four extra holes in the <a href="/technique/R34ZSY3M/top">top</a> of the <a href="/technique/TPWNYF5L/can">can</a> for ventilation. Put the garlic and herbs into the <a href="/technique/TPWNYF5L/can">can</a> (do this over the sink since the beer will <a href="/technique/FZB4VFPV/foam">foam</a> up).
Step 5
Slip the chicken onto the <a href="/technique/TPWNYF5L/can">can</a>, keeping the chicken standing upright. Place foil on the tips of the chicken legs and place standing on the <a href="/technique/2V2PRWTZ/grill">grill</a> - the legs will act as a tripod.
Step 6
<a href="/technique/RNT367Z2/bake">Bake</a> for approximately 2 hours or 18 minutes per pound.