Our Fourth of July tradition is to grill chickens that stand up on a can of beer. It might look slightly silly when you are making it, but it’s such a fun conversation piece . . .and you can’t beat the tender taste.
—KAREN BARROS BRISTOL, RI
PREP: 15 MIN. • GRILL: 1 1/4 HOURS + STANDING • MAKES: 4 SERVINGS
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 pounds)
1 fresh rosemary sprig
1 can (12 ounces) beer
1. In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; stir in half of the minced garlic. Rub mixture over the outside and inside of chicken. Tuck wings under chicken.
2. Prepare grill for indirect heat. Completely cover all sides of an 8- or 9-in. round baking pan with foil. Place a beer-can chicken rack in pan. Remove 1/3 cup beer from can; save for another use. Using a can opener, make additional large holes in top of can. Insert rosemary and remaining garlic into can. Add beer can to rack.
3. Place chicken vertically onto rack. Place pan on grill rack. Grill chicken, covered, over indirect medium heat for 1 1/4-1 1/2 hours or until a thermometer inserted into thigh reads 180°.
4. Remove pan from grill; tent chicken with foil. Let stand for 15 minutes. Carefully remove chicken from rack.