Beer-Can Chicken

[mendyweiss]

Going To Give This A Try On Sunday:

Weber Grill- Check

Charcoal- Check

Hickory Wood Chips- Check

Beer Can- Check


Annnd Go

[Chigworthy]

I never understood this concept. Why not just use the pan of water method? Does the budweiser paint add some secret spice? Can the 3.2% alcohol contained in the few ounces of beer that evaporates drastically change the flavor? The rest of the components of the beer would just concentrate in the can, not be evaporated. Is it just an excuse to shove cans up a chicken's ass?

[KingGeno]

I've never cooked one personally, but I've had it plenty of times. Always comes out great, moist, and mad tasty.

How long does the chicken actually take to cook? Do you baste it every once in a while?

[Jennitalia]

i think my stepfather cooked it for about 45 minutes on the grill, and he basted it as well...beer can chicken is really good. so moist and wonderful. you can also use a fruit juice or soda can.

[mendyweiss]

I Guess My Questions

Dry Rub First ?
How LOng To Cook ? I'm Notorious For The Undercooked Chicken !!!

[FunkyDrummer]

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[hurlmon]

I Guess My Questions

Dry Rub First ?
How LOng To Cook ? I'm Notorious For The Undercooked Chicken !!!

For temp at least 165 (http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/IsItDoneYet_Magnet.pdf) any juices should be clear.

Rather than making a rub you could try Cavanders (http://www.greekseasoning.com/) It's a greek seasoning and is great on chicken. I use it all the time when smoking chicken. Make sure to put it under the skin too. Mmmmm. It's in a round yellow container. About the size of a salt shaker.

For times it depends on the size of the bird and the temp of the grill. Do you want to smoke it or roast it? I think it's about 20 mins a lb at 350.

And remember...indirect heat.

Oh yeah. Jam a small onion in the neck hole

[bobsnin]

i used to make it all the time in college. I think it helps if the beer is stale. I also make sure to baste plenty of olive oil all over the turkey every 15-20 minutes.

[hurlmon]

The more time you open the grill, the longer it takes to cook. I don't baste my beer can chickens. They are always moist and get a nice Brown skin.

[deliciousV]

Going To Give This A Try On Sunday:

Weber Grill- Check

Charcoal- Check

Hickory Wood Chips- Check

Beer Can- Check


Annnd Go

You're gonna need a chicken.

[hurlmon]

I never understood this concept. Why not just use the pan of water method? Does the budweiser paint add some secret spice? Can the 3.2% alcohol contained in the few ounces of beer that evaporates drastically change the flavor? The rest of the components of the beer would just concentrate in the can, not be evaporated. Is it just an excuse to shove cans up a chicken's ass?


The water pan would need to be in the chicken for the same effect. With the can in the ass the evaporated/moist flavor now needs to go through the chicken to get out to the air. That's why I suggested shoving a small onion in the neck hole too. No need for a chimney on top letting all the moisture just flow right out.

[mendyweiss]

The more time you open the grill, the longer it takes to cook. I don't baste my beer can chickens. They are always moist and get a nice Brown skin.

Do You Have To Add Coals WHile It's Cooking ?

[KingGeno]

If the chicken is cooking while propped on a can, what do you all use for a baste? Butter? Chicken Broth? Pineapple Juice?

[hurlmon]

Do You Have To Add Coals WHile It's Cooking ?

You shouldn't have to. Coals usually last a few hours, but you might. Add them already lit if you need to.

just keep an eye on the temp.

I use one of these in my smoker...

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/images/1135256800081.jpg


Push the temp probe through a cork then jam the cork into the grill surface (don't let probe touch grill surface). This way you get the temp at the grill level and do not need to open the lid to see the temp since the base will be outside the grill. If you don't have a cork a small potato will work just as well. If you have another probe jam it in teh bird and there's no need to ever open the lid. Again I don't baste just a little evoo rub down prior to teh rub and never had a dry beer can bird.

Enjoy it. and if putting on rub remember to do the cavity too, tuck the wings under so the tips don't burn. and a drip pan under the bird to aid in clean up