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9. BEER-CAN CHICKEN, TEXAS STYLE
Need
Hark Beer-Can Chicken Roaster or Hark Grill Basket with Chicken Roaster
Digital meat probe
Foil
Prep Time
Start the night before if you wish to brine the chicken
Wood Flavouring
Use a lighter flavor like apple wood chips / pellets
Cook Time
45-60 minutes
Temperature Zone
HIGH: 160-180°C (320-356°F)
Internal Temperature
Thigh 83°C
I’m not convinced by the logic of beer-can chicken. The theory is that the chicken cavity slides over
a beer can. The beer heats up and produces steam that flavours the inside of the chicken, keeping
the chicken moist. But for me, if the beer is hot enough to steam, then the chicken is already well
cooked! Rather, I think by plugging the cavity with the can, it stops the juices escaping from the
bird. One thing is for certain, this method of vertical roasting cooks the bird evenly and that makes
for great chicken. Kind of like the ‘poor man’s rotisserie’!
INGREDIENTS
Free range whole chicken
Butter or olive oil
Dry rub / Harissa
Pre-heat your Hark gas smoker to HIGH: 160-180°C (320-356°F).
Bring the chook out of the fridge before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Rub the chicken
all over with a thin coat of butter or olive oil and coat with your favourite BBQ rub or spice mix. Pay
Dirt Rub is ideal, but I also like harissa for that Mediterranean feel.
Open a can of beer and pour out half. Add a few tablespoons of left over rub or a smidge of
harissa into the beer.
COOKING
Slide the chicken over the can on the beer-can roaster and place in the gas smoker at 170°C.
Roast until the internal thigh temperature reaches 83°C.
Cover the chicken with a clean tea towel and rest it for at least ten minutes before carving and
serving.
SERVING
Serve with a salad, in wraps with Tzatziki or with your favourite roast vegetables.