Something about yesterday's side dish made me think of the quirky summer fave: beer can chicken. I've personally never made one, but I am absolutely fascinated by the concept. Some say that the vapors from the beer keep the inside of the chicken moist, while others say the juiciness comes from the fact that the bird is positioned vertically. However no matter what the reason is, one thing is for sure: this recipe is guaranteed to get comments from your guests. And from what I understand, once you've had beer can chicken, you never go back! To check out an easy to follow recipe and join me on a beer can chicken excursion, read more

Beer Can Chicken with Dirty Bird Rub
From Elizabeth Karmel in Every Day with Rachael Ray June/July 2007
Image Source

Serves 4
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 1 1/2 hr

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried ground sage
One 4- to 5-pound chicken, rinsed and patted dry
Extra-virgin olive oil
One 12-ounce can beer, preferably Budweiser

1. Build a charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill. In a small bowl, mix the dry ingredients to make the rub. Brush the chicken lightly with olive oil and season with 2 tablespoons rub. Sprinkle the remaining rub inside the cavity of the bird and set aside.
2. Open the can of beer, pour out about 1/4 cup and punch an extra hole in the top using a bottle opener with a piercing point. Carefully stand the beer can in the center of the grill over indirect medium heat and place the cavity end of the chicken over the beer can.
3. Close the grill lid and cook the chicken until an instant-read thermometer registers 165º in the breast and 180º in the thigh, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. To remove from the grill, use tongs to hold the chicken steady and slide a large spatula underneath the beer can to keep it stable. Transfer to a work surface and, using the tongs, remove and discard the beer can. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

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