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Savory Beer Can Chicken Recipe with Easy Smoky Paprika Rub

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A flavorful and easy-to-make whole roasted chicken cooked upright on a beer can, infused with a smoky paprika rub that crisps the skin and keeps the meat juicy and tender.

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds / 1.8-2.3 kg), fresh or thawed, preferably organic or free-range
  • Beer (12 oz / 355 ml can), lager or pale ale
  • Smoked paprika (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
  • Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional)
  • Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt (1½ teaspoons)
  • Black pepper (1 teaspoon), freshly ground
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven or grill to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Rinse and pat dry the chicken, removing any giblets from the cavity.
  4. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible.
  5. Massage the smoky paprika rub evenly over the entire chicken and inside the cavity.
  6. Open the beer can, pour out or drink about half the beer, leaving enough liquid to steam the chicken.
  7. Carefully lower the chicken onto the beer can so it stands upright. Use a roasting pan to steady if needed.
  8. Roast in the oven or grill for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (about 75 minutes), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  9. If the skin browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.
  10. Remove the chicken carefully from the beer can and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Pat the chicken skin dry before applying oil and rub for crispier skin. Tent with foil if skin browns too quickly. Let the chicken rest 10 minutes before carving. For gluten-free, use gluten-free beer or substitute beer with chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Can be cooked on grill using indirect heat with wood chips for smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer can chicken, roasted chicken, smoky paprika rub, easy chicken recipe, whole chicken, beer can roasting, savory chicken

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