Welcome to InspiredVox, where we’ll show you how to make a mouthwatering beer can chicken that stands out as the star of your next BBQ. If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that perfect crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat, you’re in the right place. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with our comprehensive guide on how to make beer can chicken stand up – both literally and figuratively. Let’s dive into the delicious details and master the art of beer can chicken together!
Key Takeaways
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle it inside and out with the spice mixture.
- Prop the chicken on the beer can and place the beer can inside a metal 9×13-inch baking pan to make it stand upright.
- Use the chicken legs to support its body, acting like a tripod, to prevent the chicken from falling over.
- When removing the chicken from the beer can, carefully pull the can out of the chicken and place it in the sink.
- Alternative liquids such as cola or root beer can be used instead of beer for beer can chicken.
- Insert the half can of beer into the chicken’s cavity to make it stand breast side up for a delicious and juicy beer can chicken.
Table of Contents
How to Make Beer Can Chicken Stand Up: A Comprehensive Guide
Preparing the Chicken and Beer Can
To begin, you’ll need a whole chicken, a 12-ounce can of beer, and a spice rub of your choice. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, both inside and out, to ensure the rub adheres well. Generously apply the spice rub to both the interior and exterior of the chicken, massaging it in for maximum flavor absorption.
Next, open the beer can and pour out about half of its contents. This will prevent the chicken from becoming overly moist during the cooking process. Insert the remaining half can into the chicken’s cavity, ensuring it’s positioned breast side up.
Setting Up the Baking Pan
To prevent the chicken from toppling over during cooking, you’ll need to create a stable base. Line a metal 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the chicken on the beer can in the center of the pan.
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Using the Chicken Legs as a Tripod
Now, here’s the ingenious trick to keep the chicken upright: use its own legs as a tripod. Carefully lift the chicken legs and position them around the beer can, forming a stable base. The chicken’s weight will distribute evenly, preventing it from wobbling or falling over.
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Baking the Beer Can Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking pan with the chicken on the lower rack of the oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
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Alternative Liquids and Creative Variations
While beer is the traditional liquid used for beer can chicken, you can experiment with other liquids for unique flavors. Substitute beer with cola, root beer, or even a mixture of chicken stock, wine, or herbs and spices.
For a more creative twist, fill an empty aluminum can halfway with your desired liquid and insert it into the chicken’s cavity. This allows you to infuse the chicken with additional flavors and aromas.
Removing the Chicken from the Beer Can
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts. Slide the chicken to the edge of the baking pan so that the can is directly over the sink. Hold the chicken with a fork and a pair of tongs, then carefully pull the can out of the chicken and place it in the sink.
Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Beer Can Chicken
- Choose a high-quality spice rub to enhance the chicken’s flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly to ensure the rub adheres well.
- Use a metal baking pan for even heat distribution.
- Bake the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Experiment with different liquids and creative variations for unique flavor profiles.
Q: What do I need to make beer can chicken stand up?
A: To make beer can chicken stand up, you’ll need a whole chicken, a 12-ounce can of beer, and a spice rub of your choice.
Q: How do I prepare the chicken and beer can for beer can chicken?
A: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, apply the spice rub inside and out, and pour out about half of the beer can’s contents before inserting it into the chicken’s cavity.
Q: How do I prevent beer can chicken from toppling over during cooking?
A: Use the chicken’s legs as a tripod by positioning them around the beer can, forming a stable base to distribute the chicken’s weight evenly.
Q: What is the baking process for beer can chicken?
A: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place the chicken on the beer can in a lined baking pan, and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: Can I use alternative liquids for beer can chicken?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other liquids such as cola or root beer for unique flavors instead of using beer for beer can chicken.
Q: How do I remove the beer can from the chicken after cooking?
A: Carefully pull the can out of the chicken and place it in the sink after the beer can chicken is cooked.
Q: What is the key trick to keeping beer can chicken upright?
A: Use the chicken’s legs to support its body, acting like a tripod, to prevent the chicken from falling over during the cooking process.
