Monday, June 3, 2013

Beer Can Chicken

Beer can chicken is a favourite in my household.

Seriously, when all else fails there is 'Beer Can Chicken'.

The best park about it is how much it meat it makes, it is perfect for a supper for two or gour (depending on the size of your chicken) and you will most likely have left overs the put in your salad the next day.

We typically feed four adults with one beer can chicken and have enough leftovers to cut up for a salad the next day!

This recipe is pretty versatile too, you can spice the chicken to enhance different flavours. We use chicken rubs to spice it up a bit, but in this posting I will stick to the basics for a great low-carb/high-fibre 'Beer Can Chicken'.

We have started making this classic in our new smoker, but you can also make your 'Drunken Chicken' in the oven or on the barbecue. We prefer the barbecue, it is such a great summer dish!


Ingredients
1 Chicken (aim for a 4-5 pounder)
2 Tablespoons of liquified (heated) coconut oil
2 Tablespoons of salt
*3 Tablespoons of your favourite spices (I like a mixture of paprika, thyme, cayenne peppers, garlic powder, chillies and a dash of cinnamon) or use your favourite rub
1 Teaspoon of black pepper
1 Can of low carb beer (I use canned Michelob Ultra)

Procedure
1. Heat your BBQ to medium-high or your oven to 350F. If you are using gas try to use only half of your burners. If you are using coals that you move the chicken to an area free of coals.
2. Mix together your spices in a small bowl.
3. Remove and discard the chicken's neck and giblets.
4. Rinse the chicken inside and out.
5. Pat the chicken dry with paper towel, inside and outside.
6. Coat your chicken with coconut oil, inside and out.
7. Give your chicken a good rub with salt, your spices/rub and pepper. Again, both inside and out.
8. Empty half of your beer.
9. Insert your beer can into your chicken. This is easiest if you have one of the devices pictured below, but if you dont you can place your beer can on a counter and then thrust your chicken into it.
10. Place your bird in the center of your BBQ or oven and let cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Keep your chicken away from direct heat.
11. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Keep an eye on your chicken and make sure you test the temperature in the breast and thighs before serving.




You can buy the beer can chicken holder here:
http://www.kitchenniche.ca/beer-can-chicken-roaster-p-1061.html