Beer can chicken recipes are used to cook chickens on a grill with the end result being a moist meat. The recipes involve preparing a whole chicken with a dry rub or seasoning and placing it in standing position on a beer can. The beer can is opened, and has extra holes punched in it to allow the steam and flavor to escape. It is advisable to pour some of the beer out of the can for ease in moving it once the chicken is cooked. For those not wishing to use the beer, a can similar in size may be used with water or other flavored liquid.
Background and History of Beer Can Chicken
Beer can chicken recipes evolved from an original invention by three guys trying to decide how to get grilled chicken to be more moist. The trio tried adding beer soaked into the chicken but the resultant product didn’t give the results desired. The group then tried adding the can inside the chicken and the rest is history. Since that time, the invention of the poultry pal for standing the chicken has been recorded. This invention by the same guys, allows this beer can chicken to be cooked without the leaking of chemicals in the paint on the can.http://www.beercanchicken.com/history.htm
Common Beer Can Chicken Recipe Variations
Beer can chicken recipes may include the following variations:
- Onions in the chicken cavity add flavor to the meat.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS6R2IzDI10
- Marinating the chicken overnight before cooking adds more flavor to the meat.http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=703
- Leftover dry rub which is not used for the outside of the bird, can be sprinkled into the cavity before placing the chicken on the beer can.http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-index/dinner-recipes/Beer-Can-Chicken-with-Dirty-Bird-Rub
- Any type of beer can be used. The can should have extra holes punched in the top to allow the flavor to move through the chicken.
- Using the two legs, the chicken can be balanced on the can and legs to appear as if standing. This makes an interesting conversation piece for guests.http://www.barbecuebible.com/featured/recipe/basic_beercan_c.php
- Spicy beer can chicken can be prepared using a spicy marinade.http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/Main/Chicken/recipe.html?dishid=9233
Dancing Beer Can Chicken
Chickens are often described as dancing as they stand supported by the beer can. The chickens are also called Drunken Chicken or Beer Butt Chicken.
How to Make Beer Can Chicken
The BBQ Pit boys demonstrate making beer can chicken on the grill. Start by cleaning the grill. Add onion to the cavity of a 4 pound or less chicken. Coat the chicken with salad oil to seal in the chicken’s juices. Stand the chicken up with a half can of beer in the cavity. Place standing on the grill at about 350 degrees for 2 hours. At the one hour mark, baste the chicken with some barbecue sauce. Turn the chicken so they brown equally on all sides. Cook to an internal temperature of 185 degrees.
References
Fast Facts
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Also known as
Drunken Chicken, Beer Butt Chicken
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Main ingredients
Whole chicken, beer, seasoning
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Cooking method
Grilled
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Cooking time
Around 2 to 3 hours
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Cooking temperature
Grill until meat reaches 185 degrees internally
