Beer Can Chicken Recipe

Beer can chicken is popular and for some very good reasons....it's moist, it has beer content and it tastes good!
Here's a simple recipe: but first don't use a beer can. In my previous posts I mention using a beer can to sit the chicken on, although I never have personally. Sure it's economical but beer cans are aluminum and are painted.
It has been pointed out to me that when aluminum and paint are combined with heat it can have a toxic effect and can be very unhealthy. Why would you invite "Unhealthy"? In short, don't sit your chicken on a beer can when you are barbecuing it.
Ok, you say, "The Dude is just trying to sell me something else!" Well, yes I am and it is a hell of a lot safer than sitting a chicken on a beer can and cooking it.
What I recommend is that you look into a chicken throne, a vertical chicken roaster, a chicken rack or whatever you want to call it. The one I recommend is the Steve Raichlen Stainless Steel Beer Can Chicken Rack. (See Below) It's the best, make things easy and they are economical.
So, let's grind this right into the dirt! The reason is: His chicken rack is not aluminum, it's not painted, it is stainless steel and it will hold a heavyweight chicken up vertically like it should and you won't have to worry about the toxic thing or the chicken falling over like you do with the beer can thing.
Now to the recipe: You need to apply a Rub. But first, clean the bird and pat dry. Sprinkle a generous amount of Italian Seasoning and Garlic Granules in the cavity and on the body. I like to gently cut open some of the skin and apply there.
One of the best marinades I have discovered for chicken is "Catalina Dressing". It has all the ingredients you need to give your chicken a fabulous flavor. Well, then there is the beer.
Pour the dressing on! Put lots of it on and don't forget the cavity. Sprinkle more Italian Seasoning and Garlic on, but don't rub it in this time.
Marinate the chicken over night in a marinating pan or plastic bag. Take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before putting it on a pre-warmed grill.
Hey, you can do this Dude on a gas, charcoal or a wood pellet grill and get super neat results. You will want to set your gas or wood pellet grill to a medium temperature of around 325 degrees.
I have a Traeger wood pellet grill so this was a piece of cake because it cooks on indirect heat. On a gas grill, fire up only one side of the grill and cook on the other. With charcoal, you want a 3-zone split fire. Pour some brew into the chicken throne cup, but only about half full. You'll find that there be more liquid coming out of the chicken than what you care about.
Cooking time is about two hours, or 190 degrees. Be careful when it's time to get the Dude off the grill. Don't be spilling hot stuff all over yourself. Wrap the chicken in foil when done and let it sit out for 15 minutes, or so and then serve. I don't recommend doing a beer can chicken in an oven. You can, but make sure you have a large tray that will handle all the liquid that comes out of the bird.
This is a simple recipe! Why make it complicated? Your friends and family are just going to love it and you will get more compliments than you can handle! You'll be a celebrity and be signing autographs.

Labels: Barbecue, BBQ, Beer Can Chicken, Beer Can Chicken Recipe, Beer Can Chicken Recipes, Chicken, Chicken Rack, Chicken Recipes, Steven Raichlen Stainless Steel Beer Can Chicken Racks, Traeger Recipes