Hoppy Hour: Pairing Beer Can Chicken Recipe with Your Favorite Brews
Are you planning a barbecue party and wondering how to pair beer with your chicken recipe? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll talk about how to make delicious beer can chicken and which beers will complement its flavors the best. Get ready for a hoppy hour!
Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Beer can chicken is a classic barbecue recipe that is loved by many. The recipe is simple, but the result is always delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
– 1 can of beer
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Open the beer can and pour out half of the liquid. You can use any beer you like, but we recommend a light lager or pilsner.
3. Mix the olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
4. Rub the chicken with the spice mixture, making sure to get it underneath the skin and in the cavity.
5. Place the beer can on a solid surface and slide the chicken over the top of the can, so the can is inside the cavity of the chicken.
6. Place the beer can chicken on the grill and cook for about an hour and a half, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving, so the juices can redistribute.
Beer Pairings
Now that you’ve got your beer can chicken ready, it’s time to choose the perfect beer to pair with it. The key is to find a beer that complements the flavors of the chicken without overpowering it. Here are some beer pairing suggestions:
1. Light Lager: A light lager, such as Budweiser or Corona, is a great choice for beer can chicken. The light, crisp flavor of the beer will complement the smoky, savory flavors of the chicken.
2. Wheat Beer: If you prefer a beer with a bit more flavor, try pairing your chicken with a wheat beer, such as Blue Moon or Hoegaarden. The beer’s citrusy and spicy notes will complement the chicken’s seasoning.
3. IPA: If you’re a hophead, you might want to try pairing your chicken with an IPA, such as Sierra Nevada or Lagunitas. The beer’s hoppy bitterness will contrast with the chicken’s sweetness and spice.
4. Brown Ale: For a beer that’s a bit more malty, try pairing your chicken with a brown ale, such as Newcastle or Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale. The beer’s nutty and caramel flavors will complement the chicken’s smoky notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of beer?
A: Yes, you can use any beer you like, but we recommend a light lager or pilsner for this recipe.
Q: Can I use a different type of chicken?
A: Yes, you can use any type of chicken you like, but we recommend a whole chicken that is 3-4 pounds for this recipe.
Q: Do I need a beer can?
A: No, you don’t need a beer can. You can use a chicken holder or a baking dish, but the beer can method is the most popular.
Q: Can I cook beer can chicken in the oven?
A: Yes, you can cook beer can chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F and cook the chicken for about an hour and a half, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Conclusion
Beer can chicken is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any barbecue party. By pairing it with the right beer, you can elevate the flavors of both the chicken and the beer. We hope our beer pairing suggestions have inspired you to try something new. Cheers to a hoppy hour!