Beer can chicken or dancing chicken is a barbecued dish originated in the Louisiana, a U.S. state. It is cooked with indirect grilling with a partially-filled beer can inserted in the chicken cavity before cooking. As a result, chicken stands up on its legs vertically and is slow-cooked indirectly over heat, such as a charcoal grill or propane gas.
Here is an easy recipe for beer can chicken to keep the meat juicy and tender. You will need the following ingredients to prepare this delicious meat.
- whole chicken
- 355ml beer can
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Prepare the Rub
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika, sweet
- 1 tablespoon muscovado sugar
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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Light a Barbecue
In the first step, you will need a lidded barbecue. Light it and let the flames die. Once the coals turn into ashes, mound them on one side. If your barbecue is small, remove grills and put a durable roasting tin on the barbecue floor. This way, you will have sufficient space to close the lid after putting the chicken in it. If your barbecue is large, you should not worry because the chicken will sit on the grills.
Prepare Rub for Chicken
Now, prepare a rub for this family bbq recipe. Grind all ingredients and mix them together. Drizzle oil over the chicken, sprinkle rub spices and massage them into the skin to cover all crannies and nooks. Rub oil and spices even in the cavity of the chicken.
Prepare a Can of Beer
Remember, beer can chicken is incomplete without a beer can. Open the can and pour half of the beer in an empty glass. Leave the remaining beer in the can because it will make the chicken moist and flavorful while cooking. Pop the chicken onto the beer can, keep the legs down and make the chicken sit upright. Remember, the can should be in the cavity.
Put the can and chicken upright on your barbecue to grill or roast directly on a side without coals. Now close the barbecue lid and cook chicken for 1 hour 20 minutes until the meat is tender( internal temp of 165deg), juices become clear, and chicken becomes brown. If juices are not clear, you can cook it again for 10 more minutes.
Remove Chicken from Barbecue
Remove the chicken from the barbecue grill, cover it lightly with foil, and leave for almost 20 minutes before serving. You can serve it with cabbage slaw or potato chips. For your friends and family, it can be the best BBQ gift.
How to make chicken extra crispy?
If you want to make chicken extra crispy, dry the chicken skin really well. Remember, wetness is not good for this recipe. You can use paper towels to squeeze every part of the chicken gently. You must rub even the last bit of rub inside the cavity and over the chicken skin. Additionally, a homemade seasoning blend and vegetable oil will add the necessary flavors to the chicken.
Best Beer for Beer Can Chicken
You can use your favorite beer instead of a fancy and expensive one. Try to choose a skinny, tall can to easily fit it in chicken. Make sure to keep the beer can higher to cook chicken properly.
A half can of beer is enough to prop up chicken on the barbecue grill. It can easily steam the chicken and dry roast outside skin. The inside will be moist, steamy, and hot. Remember, Toms RiDICKulous Things has almost all BBQ accessories.
Chicken Size
Remember, the size of the chicken may depend on the number of people in your family or party. You will need 5 pounds of chicken if your family has four people. It will give you sufficient meat for a meal and leftovers for lunch.
What to do with leftovers?
If you have leftover chicken, let it cool completely. Now use an airtight box to store this chicken and put it in the fridge for some days. Reheat this chicken in the microwave and prepare delicious sandwiches with sauce or mayo. You can use shred leftover chicken or make cubes.
If you want to freeze leftover beer can chicken, wrap in a plastic and put it in a container or freezer bag. You can keep it in the freezer for almost 3 – 4 months.
