Beer Can Chicken

This crazy cooking technique is one of my favorite ways to cook a whole chicken on the grill. The open can of beer makes some of the moistest, most succulent, flavorful chicken I’ve ever tasted.

Vegetable oil, for the grates

1 whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves)

1 can (12-ounce) beer, opened and half full

a8 Preheat your grill to medium-high with the lid closed for 8 to 10 minutes. Lightly brush the grates with oil.

a8 Remove and discard the giblets and any excess fat from the chicken cavity. Rinse the chicken, inside and out, with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Generously season the inside cavity with salt and pepper.

a8 Evenly spread the olive oil over the skin of the whole bird. Generously season the skin with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the thyme evenly over the bird.

a8 Hold the chicken upright, with the opening of the body cavity at the bottom, and position the bird on the beer can so that the chicken is sitting upright, with the can in its cavity.

a8 Turn off half the burners and place the chicken on the side of the grill with the burners off, using the legs and beer can as a tripod to support the chicken on the grill.

a8 Close the lid and cook the chicken until the skin is golden brown and the meat is cooked through, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.

a8 Using tongs, carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board or platter, holding a metal spatula underneath the beer can for support.

a8 Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then carefully lift it off the can. Discard the beer. Carve the chicken and serve.

Serves 4 to 6.

a2 Cooking Tip: To be sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the breast. The chicken is cooked when the breast is at least 165 degrees. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, poke the chicken in the thigh with a knife; if the juices run clear, the chicken is done.

a4 Variation: Want a nonalcoholic version? A can of root beer works well. So does a can of chicken stock.

a6 Suggested Side: Grilled Corn and Green Bean Salad