Beer-Can Chicken
This is the easiest yet most impressive chicken you’ll ever serve your guests! It’s a real triumph when you bring it out of the oven. Basically you’re cooking a whole chicken stood on a can of your favourite liquid. Why I hear you ask? Well, when the can is opened the liquid absorbs into the chicken making it superbly moist and tasty. We’ve used beer this time but we have been known to use a can of bourbon and coke or pear cider; get creative with your cans!
Dish Facts
Serves: 4
Costs: £11 (approx)
Prep time: 10 mins
Marinade: 24 hours if possible for ultimate BBQ taste
Cooking time: 1 ½ hours
Healthy switch: none necessary!
How fattening is this? (1 low, 3 high): *
Difficulty (1 low, 3 high): *
WOW factor (1 low, 3 high): ***
You’ll need: a roasting tray
Ingredients
1 large/medium chicken (approx 2kg)
1 x 500ml can of beer/lager
1 tub of BBQ rub
Optional
It’s up to you what you choose to serve with the chicken – it can be as healthy or as much of a treat as you fancy. We like to serve with some cheesy coleslaw and a nice salad. Add some spicy Cajun wedges for extra umph!
Method
1. Whether you use a home-made or shop-bought BBQ rub, try to marinate the chicken for as long as time allows (24 hours being optimum). Apply the rub all over the outside and the inside cavity of the chicken. For extra taste add a touch of your chosen liquid to the rub.
2. Open your can and take a large swig of the liquid so it isn’t full to the brim.
3. Stand the can in the middle of your baking tray and gently lower the chicken onto the can, whilst inserting it into the cavity. It may sound a tad strange but you’ll forget that when you see how moist the chicken is!
4. With the chicken sat nicely on the can, place the tray in the oven (you may need to remove the other shelves!) and cook for 1 ½ hours until the skin is crispy.
5. We like to show the guests as a bit of a ‘party piece’ then carefully remove the can and carve the chicken. Serve with some skin for the BBQ taste and the side serving of your preference.
6. Don’t drink from the can – it’s hot and full of chicken juices! Feel free to splash some onto the chicken to serve though.
It’s that simple! A perfect recipe to impress your special guests, do you have any special recipes that you use to entertain your friends with?