There is nothing better than having people over for a BBQ and some drinks in the backyard, even if it’s during crazy times like these. The sound of people laughing and kids playing and the smell of freshly cut grass and meats and veggies roasting on the barbecue make for great memories!
Working the BBQ is my favorite thing to do while hosting a party. It usually it draws a crowd because everyone wants to see what you’re cooking! That’s how I was inspired to develop a new barbecue tool, which has become a staple at all of my get togethers.
As a lifelong tinkerer, I am always making contraptions. About 99% of my ideas are deemed ridiculous by my friends and family since most of them are pretty far out there, but that doesn’t stop me from giving them a try. If it doesn’t work, I add it to my “wall of shame” in the garage and move on to the next idea. However, there was one idea that really stuck.
I am a big fan of beer can chicken, mostly because it involves my favorite drink! I started designing beer can chicken stands (after I’d downed a few cold ones myself) that made it look like the chickens are riding motorcycles. But while motorcycles are cool, I knew that the idea was missing that “over the edge” factor. So, after a few more of my favorite drinks, I came up with the adult version called Rooster Love! This is my best-selling unit by far. It has a slightly scandalous edge for the adults, but to the kids it just looks like they are hugging!
There are three variations of the motorcycle version: ‘Merica Biker, Flaming Biker and Canadian Biker. The American and Canadian bikes sport a flag where the engine would be, and the Flaming Biker has a flame as a more generic symbol.
Sunglasses come free with each model, including Rooster Love. They add that extra touch when you open your BBQ for the big reveal or set it on the middle of the table to surprise your friends. The response is usually: “What the heck is that?” followed by lots of laughter.
One big advantage of these unique stands is that they can be disassembled. When they are stored flat, they are approximately 1/8” (3mm) thick, which means they don’t take up much space in your drawer. They’re made of stainless steel, so when you’re done cooking you can easily take them apart and put them in the dishwasher. I recommend running your stand under hot water and scraping off the tough residue with your fingers before putting it in the dishwasher. It will look almost new if you do this extra step.
The stand helps the chicken sit up so that it cooks more evenly and has crispy skin all the way around–no more overcooked or soggy spots where the chicken was resting on the pan! The liquid inside the can, whether it’s beer, pop, juice or wine, will steam the inside of the chicken and make it very moist!
How to make beer can chicken:
Beer can chicken is very easy to make. The only thing I recommend is having a thermometer to measure the chicken’s internal temperature for safety (the target temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit). Make sure to use cooking gloves when handling the stands.
Step 1: Season the skin with your favorite chicken rub. Even just salt and pepper works.
Step 2: Drink about 75% of a 12 oz (355ml) beer, pop or juice can.
Step 3: Grab a beer can chicken holder from Toms RiDICKulous Things and insert the chicken on top of the can.
Step 4: Preheat the BBQ, charcoal grill, or oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a BBQ, I recommend the convection style technique. Turn one side on medium heat and the other side on low and place the chicken on the low side. The heat will circulate from the hotter side and cook the chicken more evenly.
Step 5: Rotate as needed depending on your BBQ. The chicken usually takes about an hour to cook, so you can rotate halfway through or every 15 minutes.
Step 6: Make sure the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit as recommended by national guidelines.
Step 7: Take the chicken off the BBQ and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Step 8: Enjoy the juicy chicken! This simple dish serves 3-5 people. I recommend pairing it with a beer, wine or your favorite cocktail!
