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Beer can chicken

Ah, beer can chicken—the epitome of backyard grilling! This succulent dish has become an increasingly popular option for those who enjoy outdoor cooking and a good cold beer. The process involves opening a can of your favorite lager, plopping a chicken onto the can, and then roasting the bird over an open flame for a deliciously flavorful meal.

Beer can chicken


The flavor that comes out of beer can chicken is truly remarkable and relies on three primary components: the Beer Can, the Seasoning, and the Grill. The canned beer imparts an unmistakable flavor to the chicken as it cooks. The seasoning adheres to the bird and creates an alluring aroma and taste sensation. And the grill provides the heat required to cook the meat and obtain those signature crispy exterior pieces.

The key to achieving the perfect beer can chicken lies in the selection and preparation of the ingredients. Start by selecting a full-flavored beer with robust notes of malt and hops for maximum flavor impact. Next, choose the right type of seasoning - something with a combination of herbs and spices that will complement the beer. Finally, make sure to have a reliable charcoal or pellet grill to create the optimal cooking environment.

When it comes to the actual cooking, it is important to give the beer can chicken ample time to roast. Depending on the size of the bird and the temperature of the grill, it can take anywhere from one to two hours to fully cook the poultry. And be sure to rotate the bird periodically to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning the skin.

Once the bird is finished, let it rest on a plate before carving to allow the juices to settle and redistribute throughout the meat. Then, you can tuck into a meal of moist, juicy, and surprisingly flavorful beer can chicken.

So whether you're looking for a simple summertime dinner or a masterful showstopper for a party, consider giving beer can chicken a go—for its unparalleled taste, convenience, and sheer novelty. Bon Appetit!

The origin of Beer can chicken

Beer Can Chicken; a Deliciously Deviant Dish with a Daringly Different Origin

There is something to be said for dishes that straddle the line between sheer decadence and devilishly clever innovation. Beer Can Chicken, or ‘Basteside’ as some food enthusiasts have fondly referred to it, stands proudly at the apex of the daringly delicious dichotomy. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this saucy bird? Well, grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a good yarn because the story of Beer Can Chicken is as flavorful as the dish itself.

The origins of this beloved dish can be traced back to the 1990s and lies within the spicier side of barbecue culture. The story goes that as a couple of enterprising American ‘Pitmasters’ were out on a country drive, they stumbled upon an innocuous-looking old clay jug alongside the road. This pitmaster decided to bring the dusty jar home, empty its contents and use it as a makeshift roasting vessel for a small chicken. Little did they know the lidless pot was capable of locking in the lip-smacking liquid flavors necessary for a succulent roast. After some careful calculations, the experiment was pronounced a success, and the first known rendition of Beer Can Chicken was born.

Though it may seem like an unlikely source, the peculiar roasting device soon began to turn heads in various circles of the culinary world. When a certain Gordon Ramsay was heard singing praises of the delightful dish, it quickly took off and became a hit with home cooks and chefs alike.

Ever since, Beer Can Chicken has become a staple in the world of backyard barbecues and evening hobbying. Nowadays, modern variations of the dish include beer-based sauces, unique bastes, and a variety of inventive cooking devices. There is even a special beer can holder available for purchase for those who are particularly passionate about their poultry!

No matter the form, the principle remains the same - one part ingenuity, one part decadence - and the result is one delicious dish. So, the next time you pull out a beer can from the fridge, remember the unexpected hero of your meal; this bold, daring and surprisingly delicious invention.

FAQs about Beer can chicken

At what temperature is beer can chicken done?

Beer can chicken is usually cooked at temperatures of 375-400 degrees F.


Do you use a full can of beer for beer can chicken?

No, only a portion of the can is used when making beer can chicken. Generally, you would use roughly half of the can's contents.


How do you tie a chicken with a beer can chicken?

To tie a chicken with a beer can chicken, start by opening the beer and pouring out most of the liquid. Place the chicken upright onto the can, so that the bottom of the chicken is resting on the tab of the can. It can sometimes help to squeeze the legs together to keep it steady. Then, use kitchen twine to tie the wings of the chicken behind its back, wrap it around the top of the can, and tie it off at the legs. Finally, transfer the chicken-and-can assembly to a roasting pan, ensuring that it is stable.


What is the best liquid to use for beer can chicken?

The best liquid to use for beer can chicken is a flavorful beer, such as a pale ale or lager. However, cider, wine, broth, or water can also be used.


Types of Beer can chicken

When I think of beer can chicken, I'm immediately taken back to my summer days spent laid-back barbecuing in the sun. Beer can chicken has been around for a while now, with variations that make every chef offer their own unique take. The great thing about this dish is that it's not just easy to make but also brings out the delicious flavors of the ingredients used.

A classic version of beer can chicken is quite simple - season a whole chicken lightly with salt and pepper, perch it atop of the opened beer can and place it on the grill. The steam from the beer can rises throughout the chicken, resulting in a flavorful, tender chicken - almost like it's been slow cooked!

However, many modern variations have come about over the years. One such type of beer can chicken is the 'dry rubbed' version, which involves heavily seasoning the chicken with spice rubs and herbs, even before it goes on the grill. Here, the herbs, spices and aromatics penetrate deeper throughout the chicken, giving you an even more flavourful and juicy bird.

Another popular variation is the 'beer butt brined' beer chicken. Here, the beer can is filled to the brim with a special brine solution containing various herbs, spices, sugar and a limited amount of beer. The chicken is then placed inside the can and left to soak in the brine overnight. This infuses the meat with even more flavour and moisture, resulting in a succulent, juicy bird.

Lastly, we have the 'beer can bacon wrapped' chicken, which is as its name suggests. Here, you wrap the entire chicken with thick cut bacon and stuff the cavity with aromatic herbs, before perched atop of the opened beer can and grilling. The bacon gives the chicken a crisp, smoky exterior, while the steam from the beer keeps the inside moist and full of flavour.

No matter what style of beer can chicken you opt for, it makes for a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. So why not give one of these tasty versions a try yourself? You just might find your new favorite recipe.