Although the impeccable Beer Can Chicken originates from the United States, specifically the state of Louisiana (according to research), it has now become a sought-after treat in various parts of the world. Known for its terrific taste and unmatchable moisture in the chicken, what began as a dish during barbecues in the States, is now widely served, including high-end restaurants in Canada too.
The following recipe by Jeff Trudel brings up yet another fun-filled way to try making your version of the famous dish and gather your friends and family over for a memorable chicken feast.
About The Cook
Being able to cook delicious meals not only requires the right skills or precise efforts but mostly passion, which is the secret behind Jeff Trudel and his expert hand at BBQ dishes. Despite having aced the talent of making perfectly balanced meals, he refuses to be called someone extraordinary. Instead, he refers to himself as an ordinary guy, but one with exceptional love and passion for cooking.
We have all grown up hearing how the kitchen is one place where the magic happens, and it is no wonder that it is absolutely true. Every mouth-watering dish that comes across, we wonder how hard the cooking process must have been. The reality, however, is anything but that. Those who work in the kitchen to fulfill their passion, enjoy every moment of the process.
Ask Jeff about it, who right away answers how he adores making all this magic happen in the kitchen, with the BBQ or open fires being his favorite cooking method. For him, there is no better feeling than the feeling of happiness and content when he sees people enjoy his creations, especially when it is his loved ones.
Step-By-Step Recipe
For those who are trying their hands at making Beer Can Chicken for the first time, do not panic is the name makes it sound complicated. The process is as simple as ever, only requiring attention to the application of the rub, and the temperatures. Read below through this easy recipe by Jeff Trudel, and you are good to go:
Preparation –
(I do not measure my exact ingredients, but you can refer to these pictures for an estimate)
- 1 full chicken
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
- Lemon
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- A few garlic cloves
- Smoked salt
- Peppercorn
- Brown sugar
- Thai chilies
- Soy sauce
- Fresh slices of Giner
- A few frozen bottles of water
- A chicken stand
- Beer can of your choice
- (I use Sleeman clear beer, but any can work)
Directions –
- Preheat your grill to 350ºF.
- Prepare a mixture by adding together the freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon, cilantro, parsley, garlic cloves, smoked salt, brown sugar, peppercorn, Thai chilies, soy sauce, fresh slices of ginger, and the required amount of water to give it consistency. The brine is ready.
- Next, take the chicken and give it a bath with the brine you have prepared.
- Once it is fully covered, leave it in a cooler overnight. I usually place frozen bottles of water around it to retain the cool.
- When you take the bird out the next day, make sure to rinse it thoroughly and ensure that it is fully dried before proceeding to the next step.
- Take your favorite beer can, and you can drink about half of it. As for the remaining part, let it stay in the can, and add in a few cloves of garlic.
- Now, fix the beer can in the chicken.
- Your chicken is now all set to rock on its stand. I always go for the incredible and funny chicken stands from TomsRiDICKulousThings.com. It gives me amazing pictures of the final product, and my guests praise it every time.
- Carefully place the stand with the chicken on the grill, and let it cook. During my attempts, it takes approximately three and a half hours. I also prefer using the Pitmaster Choice pellet.
- To know if your chicken is ready for the final show, check its internal temperature, which should read to 165ºF.
- If that is achieved, take the chicken out, allow it to cool for a while, and serve your tasty creation.
You can have a look at these from my cooking, as a reference to what the result should look like:
If you found my recipe helpful, do not hesitate in giving my profile a quick visit. You may find some more interesting recipes!
- Instagram - @jeffyttaco
