Welcome to the world of smoky, succulent, and award-winning beer-brined beer can chicken! This has to be among my favorite BBQ recipes and Live Fire Republic’s Pitmaster Field Guide will walk you through a full-proof, step-by-step process to process to preparing the most incredible and mouth-watering smoked chicken that you’ve ever devoured!

Now, beer can chicken involves strategically resting a whole chicken on throne of beer, then simply-speaking, roasting it upright on a grill. The origins of this technique are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States in the 1970s. While I’d hate to speculate how a full can of beer was estimated to be best positioned in the posterior of the chicken for a low and slow cook, this is what I do know – the method works!

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF BEER-BRINED BEER CAN CHICKEN

The science behind beer can chicken is based on the principle of indirect heat, which allows the chicken to cook evenly without burning. The beer can also adds moisture and flavor to the chicken, while the steam created by the beer helps to keep the meat moist and tender.

First things first, everything starts with selecting the very best ingredients available in your market and at your budget. If possible, select a fresh, organic, free-range chicken, from a known source. Now, no matter the type and variety of chicken, this protein is fairly flavorless all on it’s own. In effort to begin building flavor, taste and tenderness, it’s crucial to brine the chicken in a beer and salt solution for at least 6 hours, but the longer you can brine it, the better.

For the perfect smoky flavor, I recommend using a combination of charcoal and wood chips or chunks to smoke your chicken at a temperature range of 225F-250F. My favorite hardwoods for chicken include, almond, apple, cherry, hickory, peach, pecan, and oak wood.

To ensure that your chicken has a crispy skin, it’s essential to dry the chicken thoroughly after removing it from the brine. During smoking, spray the chicken periodically with a mixture of beer and apple cider vinegar to keep it moist. And, while we smoke these chickens low and slow, as the cook reaches the finish line, we turn up the temp on the grill to 375F to beautifully-crisp up the skin.

Once your chicken is perfectly smoked, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and settle. Use this time to create a delicious beer-based sauce or glaze to complement the smoky flavor of the chicken.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beer, dry rubs, and glazes to find the recipe that works best for you. With passion, patience, and a little creativity, you’ll be creating mouth-watering and unforgettable beer-brined, beer can chicken that will leave your guests craving for more. Now, read onwards for all the tips, tricks and best practices for mastering the art and science of the ultimate backyard BBQ chicken!

KEY INGREDIENTS USED IN THIS RECIPE:

Organic, free-range whole chicken: A chicken that lived its best life and is now ready to be the star of your smoked beer can chicken show!

Cheap beer: Because there’s no need to waste the good stuff on hydrating the chicken!

Granulated honey: The sweet nectar of bees that gives your chicken a sticky-sweet coating that will make your taste buds buzz with excitement!

Fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, thyme and sage: Straight from your garden and Mother Nature’s pantry, integrating these ingredients will infuse your chicken with a herby aroma and flavor, creating the perfect symphony of taste.

Sweet and smoky BBQ rub: The perfect balance of sweet and smoky that will make your chicken so irresistible, you’ll have to hide it from your neighbors to avoid their jealousy. This rub can be homemade, or store-bought. But, we’d recommend a few things when it comes to the rub. Ensure the rub is low-sodium, has no unnatural or ingredient that is more than 4 syllables, contains no preservatives. So, in other words, take 5 minutes and make your own rub!

WHAT SIDE DISHES COULD BE SERVED ALONGSIDE BEER-BRINED BEER CAN CHICKEN:

• Fried green tomatoes. Crispy, tangy, and refreshing. These fried green tomatoes will perfectly complement the juicy smokiness of the chicken.
• Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. These poppers are so addictive, they should come with a warning label. The spicy jalapenos and creamy filling are the perfect accompaniment to your smoky centerpiece.
• Grilled watermelon with feta and beer vinaigrette. Don’t knock it ’til you try it! This refreshing and unexpected dish is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a tangy vinaigrette that ties everything together.
• Grilled peaches with honey and bourbon glaze. A sweet, boozy, and juicy side dish that will make your taste buds sing and leave you feeling peachy keen.
• Beer-baked beans. A classic summer side dish, these baked beans are infused with a delicious beer flavor that will have you licking the spoon clean. Perfect for any outdoor gathering, these beans are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

TOP 5 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BEER-BRINED BEER CAN CHICKEN:

1. Can I use any type of beer for brining and basting? Varying beer types flavor chicken differently. Experiment and enjoy, keeping in mind that stronger, hoppier beers yield bolder tastes
2. Do I need a fancy smoker to make beer can chicken? Grill or smoke beer can chicken with even indirect heat. Use a sturdy base to hold it upright.
3. Do I need to remove the giblets from the chicken before brining and smoking? Definitely! Remove giblets and innards before brining or smoking chicken to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
4. Can I reuse the beer that I used for brining? Brine beer not for basting/drinking to avoid bacteria from chicken. Use fresh beer instead.
5. How do I know when the chicken is done? Check chicken doneness using a digital meat thermometer. Insert in thickest part of thigh. 165°F means it’s ready.

Remember, beer can chicken is all about having fun, experimenting, and creating delicious and memorable meals for your loved ones. So, grab a cold one and get ready to smoke up a gaggle of blue-ribbon barbecued chicken!

THE BEST BEVERAGE PAIRINGS FOR BEER-BRINED BEER CAN CHICKEN:

Craft Beer:

• Ballast Point Habanero Sculpin IPA. This spicy and citrusy IPA is perfect with the smoky flavors of the chicken.
• Brooklyn Brewery’s Brooklyn Lager. The toasty and caramel malt notes in this beer complement the smoky flavors of the chicken.
• New Holland Cabin Fever Brown Ale. The sweet, nutty flavor enhances smoky chicken with richness and smoothness.

Cocktail:

• The Red, White, and Boozy. A blend of bourbon, cherry liqueur, and lemon juice, topped with a splash of sparkling wine. Perfectly complements the smoky flavor of the beer can chicken.
• The Stars and Stripes Sipper. Blueberry vodka, lemon, club soda, garnished with fresh blueberries and strawberry. Ideal for a summer cookout.
• The Patriot’s Pint. A bold and flavorful pairing of stout beer, bourbon, and maple syrup. Perfect for sipping alongside the rich, smoky flavors of the beer can chicken.

Wine:

• Belle Glos’ Las Alturas Pinot Noir. This full-bodied wine has notes of black cherry and spice that pair well with the smoky chicken.
• Charles Smith’s Kung Fu Girl Riesling. The bright and citrusy flavors balance the smoky flavors.
• Coppola’s Diamond Collection Claret. This Bordeaux-style blend has flavors of blackberry and tobacco that pair well with the smoky chicken.

Remember, when it comes to pairing, there’s no right or wrong answer. These are just a few of my favorite options. So, fire up the grill, crack open a cold one, and enjoy!

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