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The Almighty Beer-Can Chicken
A popular method of cooking chicken in recent years both in
Barbeque contest as well as backyard barbeques is the beer-can
chicken. Cooking a beer-can chicken couldn't be any easier but
the results are worthwhile. This is a technique that delivers a
moist, succulent chicken and flavorful chicken. It's also a bit
of a showstopper and makes a lively conversation starter as
well. Is it chicken in a beer can? Close but try beer can in a
chicken. The beer is used to both keep the bird flavorful and
moist, and the cook happy. By the time the bird is ready to eat,
the chef will not be the only one with a beer belly!
Is it safe to eat chicken that has been in contact with the ink
from a beer can? When the FDA was asked this question they were
not sure because they have only tested the cans as a container
and not as a cooking utensil. However the ink on the cans is
applied at a temperature in excess of 500 degrees while the can
never get hotter then 215 degrees during the cooking process.
The conclusion by most is that there is nothing harmful in using
the cans.
For those cooks who still worry about possible contamination,
vertical stainless steel chicken roasters are available. These
roasters have their own reservoir for beer, water or your choice
of liquid.
1 whole chicken
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons of your favorite dry spice rub
1 can beer
Preparing the chicken
Remove and discard neck and giblets from chicken. Rinse chicken
inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels. Rub or brush the
chicken lightly with oil then season inside and out with salt,
pepper and dry rub.
Open a can
of beer and drink half. Wait 5 minutes then drink the
other half and open a second can for the chicken. Drink half of
the second beer and reserve remainder of beer for the bird.
Using a "church key"-style can opener, pop a few more holes in
the top of the can so that the moisture will be able to escape.
With the can on a steady surface, lower the chicken onto the
can. It should stand on it's own using the legs and can as a
tri-pod. Refrigerate the bird while you get your grill or smoker
setup.
Preparing the grill
Whether you intend to grill or smoke the bird, the goal is
indirect heat. No coals or burner directly under the chicken.
Place a drip pan under where you intend the bird to sit. If you
are grilling, turn the burners to medium-high on one side of
your grill and place the bird on the other side.
Cooking the chicken
Continue to cook the chicken over medium-high with the grill
cover on for approximately 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 hours. The chicken will
be done when the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F in
the breast area and 180 degrees F in the thigh. Remove from
grill with tongs and move to cutting board. Be careful not to
spill the beer when removing the can. Let the chicken rest for
5-10 minutes before carving. Toss the beer can out along with
the carcass.
About the author:
Scott Schirkofsky is the chef and owner of At Home Gourmet. You
can find more recipes, cooking tips, food and beverage articles
on his highly recommended website:
http://www.athomegourmet.com<
/a> Scott is also the owner of http://www.americasfav
oritefood.com and
