Beer can chicken, also known as drunken chicken or chicken on a throne, is a popular grilling technique that involves cooking a whole chicken upright on a can of beer. The beer can is placed inside the cavity of the chicken and the bird is then cooked over indirect heat on the grill. The idea is that the beer will steam and flavor the chicken from the inside out, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.
But is beer can chicken safe to eat? The short answer is yes, beer can chicken is generally safe to eat as long as it is cooked to a safe internal temperature. It is important to remember that chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.
The can itself is not toxic, but there are a few potential safety concerns to be aware of when cooking beer can chicken. One is that the beer can itself can become very hot during the cooking process and may be difficult to handle. To reduce the risk of burns or accidents, it is a good idea to use tongs or oven mitts to remove the can from the grill. It is also important to be careful when inserting the can into the cavity of the chicken, as the sharp edges of the can could puncture the skin or cause injury.
Another potential safety concern is the risk of contamination from the beer can. It is important to thoroughly wash the can and the chicken before cooking to reduce the risk of contamination. It is also a good idea to discard the beer that was in the can after the chicken is cooked, as it may have come into contact with raw chicken and could potentially be contaminated.
In conclusion, beer can chicken can be a delicious and fun way to grill a whole chicken. As long as it is cooked to a safe internal temperature and handled with care, it is generally safe to eat. As with any type of grilled chicken, it is important to follow proper food safety practices to reduce the risk of contamination or illness.