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A week or so ago we entertained out-of-town family from Oklahoma. There was a total of nine of us in the house and meals were a hectic time. I was so nervous about feeding nine people with different likes and dislikes. One evening, I made a huge feast for the family that included grilled whole beer can chicken. I easily fed 9 people, with leftovers to spare, with just two whole chickens. It was a total win.
If you’ve never made beer can chicken, you are missing out. Beer can chicken creates a moist, flavorful dish thanks to the steam of cooking the chicken over a can of beer. While this dish can be made in the oven, my favorite way to make beer can chicken is in the Summer, over a hot grill.
To begin, I grabbed my favorite light-style beer. I used Modelo Especial. I then dry rubbed the chicken with variety of my favorite grilling spices and the grilled it atop an open can of beer. I like to dump (or drink) about 1/4 of the beer out and fill the can with fresh onion, garlic cloves, peppers and herbs for even more flavor and seasoning.
I like to use this handy upright chicken roster holder that can accommodate a beer can in its base but you can also cook a chicken on a beer can without it.
Once the chicken is seasoned and appropriately positioned on the can you close the lid on the grill and sit back. The grill and the beer can do the rest. So easy but so impressive. I like to pair my grilled whole beer can chicken with baked potatoes (also made on the grill) and grilled corn for the perfect summer meal.
I can tell you everyone enjoyed this meal – even the kiddos! What are you waiting for, make some Beer Can Chick-Can (see what I did there?) tonight!
Whole Grilled Beer Can Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 4-pound whole chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons of your favorite dry spices – I used garlic powder chili powder and grilling rub
- 1 can beer
- 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic
- 1/4 – 1/2 fresh onion
- 4-5 slices of fresh jalapeno
Instructions
- Clean and prepare chicken. Rub chicken lightly with oil then rub inside and out with salt, pepper and spices. Set aside. Open beer can and drink (or pour out) 1/4 of the beer. Place beer can on a solid surface and open top of can with can opener. Fill can with garlic cloves, onions and peppers. Place the chicken on top of the can, making sure the beer can is nestled in the cavity of the chicken. Place can in holder (if using). Transfer the beer can chicken to your grill and place in the center of the grate, balancing the bird on its 2 legs to make it stable. Cook the chicken over medium-high, indirect heat with the grill cover on, for approximately 1 1/4 hours until the thigh juice runs clear when stabbed with a sharp knife. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
GGG Tip: If you are making chicken for a crowd and cooking multiple birds consider seasoning them differently. Maybe a spicy chicken for the adults and a more mild version for the kids. You could also offer several varieties: Jerk Chicken, Barbecue Chicken, etc.
This post was written by Linda Arceo for Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps. All rights reserved.
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