Beer Can Chicken: The Perfect Dish for a Fun and Festive Summer BBQ

Planning on hosting a summer BBQ? Why not make it even more fun and festive by serving up a tasty, mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress your guests? Enter beer can chicken – a delicious, savory chicken dish that’s infused with a rich and complex flavor, all thanks to a secret ingredient: a can of beer. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this popular summer dish and explore why it’s the perfect addition to your next BBQ party.

What is beer can chicken?

Beer can chicken is a delicious and juicy chicken dish that’s cooked in a unique and flavorful way. The recipe involves preparing a whole chicken by inserting a beer can into its cavity, which acts as a stand to keep the chicken in an upright position. The chicken is then seasoned with various herbs, spices, and liquids to impart a rich and savory flavor that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The benefits of cooking beer can chicken

There are several benefits to cooking beer can chicken. Firstly, it’s a relatively simple and easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for novice cooks or those who are short on time. The beer can also serves a practical purpose by keeping the chicken in an upright position, which helps to ensure that the heat is distributed evenly and the meat is cooked through.

Another advantage of this dish is that it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a dish that’s uniquely yours. Beer can chicken can be seasoned with a wide range of herbs and spices, and you can experiment with different types of beer to create different flavor profiles. Additionally, beer can chicken can be cooked on virtually any type of grill, making it a great option for outdoor cookouts and BBQs.

How to make beer can chicken

Making beer can chicken is incredibly easy – all you need is a whole chicken, a can of beer, and some basic seasonings. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken
– 1 can of beer
– 3 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of salt
– 1 tablespoon of black pepper
– 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon of onion powder
– Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Open the beer can and pour out half of the contents.
3. Mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
4. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
5. Insert the beer can into the cavity of the chicken, so that it stands upright.
6. If desired, add some fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) to the top of the beer can.
7. Place the chicken (with the beer can) onto the grill, making sure that it’s sitting upright and stable.
8. Cover the grill and let the chicken cook for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.

The best beer to use for beer can chicken

One of the best things about beer can chicken is that you can experiment with different types of beer to create different flavor profiles. Here are a few of our favorite beers to use:

– Lager: A light, crisp, and refreshing beer that imparts a subtle, malty flavor to the chicken.
– IPA: A bold and hoppy beer that imparts a complex, bitter flavor to the chicken.
– Stout: A rich and full-bodied beer that imparts a deep, roasted flavor to the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I substitute the beer with something else?
A: Yes! You can use almost any liquid you’d like, such as wine, soda, or broth.

Q: Can I use this recipe with just chicken breasts?
A: Yes! You can use this recipe with any type of chicken cut, although be aware that the cooking time may vary.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to make beer can chicken?
A: No! All you need is a can of beer and a grill.

Conclusion

Beer can chicken is the perfect dish for a fun and festive summer BBQ. Easy to make, versatile, and delicious, this dish is sure to please your guests and become a summertime favorite. So next time you’re planning a party, be sure to give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your guests!) will thank you.