Beer chicken, often referred to as “beer can chicken,” is a popular barbecue dish that involves cooking a whole chicken with a can of beer placed inside its cavity. This cooking method is beloved by many for the moist and flavorful result it produces. The beer steams the chicken from the inside as it cooks, infusing it with flavor and keeping the meat tender. Here’s a simple recipe to make beer chicken at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 to 5 pounds)
- 1 can (12 ounces) of beer (half full)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite dry rub (you can use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a bit of brown sugar)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove and discard the giblets from the chicken. Rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season the Chicken:
- Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, both inside and out. Then, apply the dry rub generously over the entire surface of the chicken, as well as inside the cavity.
- Prepare the Beer Can:
- Open the beer can and pour out (or drink) about half of the beer. Make additional holes in the top of the can with a can opener to allow the steam to escape more easily.
- Optional: Add some extra spices to the beer can to enhance the flavor. Garlic cloves, additional dry rub, or fresh herbs can work well.
