Beer Can Chicken

This is another family favourite. So much so that I started making 3 chickens as it goes so quickly. If you do manage to have any leftovers, it's great for sandwiches, salads, or chicken quesadillas during the week.

Beer Can Chicken
Makes 1 whole chicken but can easily be doubled or tripled.

1 whole chicken
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil or olive oil
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
3 Tbsp. dry rub spice mix (recipe below)
1 can beer*

*Experiment with your favourite brew and try different beers and ales to subtly change the flavour of the chicken.

Prepare chicken by removing neck and giblets -- discard these - rinse the chicken inside and out. Pat dry with paper towel. Rub chicken lightly with oil inside and out. Then I place a spoonful of prepared minced garlic in the chicken cavity and rub a good spoonful of garlic on the outside of the chicken.

Finally rub with salt, pepper, and dry rub spice mix. Be generous with the dry rub.

Open the can of beer, room temperature is best, and empty approximately 1/3 of the can of beer out. You can pour it into a glass and drink it.

Heat the grill to medium high heat. If possible, turn the centre burners off and just keep the side burners on as this allows for indirect heat and will cut down on flames.

Take the prepared chicken and beer out to the BBQ. Place the beer can onto the BBQ and then place the chicken over top of the beer can using the legs as part of the stand. Balance the chicken on the beer and its two legs like a tripod. Straighten out the chicken and ensure it is solidly in place.

Try to keep the chicken over the centre element that isn't on.

Cook the chicken over medium high, indirect heat, with the grill cover closed, for approximately 2 hours. If you add more chicken you will need to allow for a longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is well cooked.

This chicken is so well done and so tender and juicy that it fell apart taking it off the grill.

Dry Rub Spice Mix 

1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Can be made ahead and stored for when needed. Easy to multiply and make a big jar.