Soda Can Chicken Recipes

BEER CAN CHICKEN WITH COLA BARBECUE SAUCE

Steps:

• Pop the tab off the beer can. Using a church key style can opener, make a few more holes in the top of the can. Pour out half the beer into the soaking water of the wood chips. Set the can of beer aside.
• Set up the grill for indirect grilling and preheat to medium. If using a charcoal grill, place a large drip pan in the center. If using a gas grill, place all the wood chips in the smoker box or in a smoker pouch and preheat the grill to high until you see smoke, then reduce the heat to medium.
• Remove the packet of giblets from the body cavity of the chicken and set aside for another use. Remove and discard the fat just inside the body and neck cavities. Rinse the chicken, inside and out, under cold running water, drain, and blot dry inside and out with paper towels. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the rub inside the body and neck cavities of the chicken. Rub the bird all over on the outside with 2 teaspoons of the rub. If you have the patience, you can put some of the rub under the skin being careful not to tear it.
• Spoon the remaining 2 teaspoons of rub through the holes into the beer in the can. Don't worry if it foams up, this is normal. Insert the beer can into the body cavity of the chicken and spread out the legs to form a sort of tripod. Tuck the wing tips behind the chicken's back.
• When ready to cook, if using a charcoal grill, toss all the wood chips on the coals. Stand the chicken up in the center of the hot grate, over the drip pan and away from the heat. Cover the grill and cook the chicken until the skin is a dark golden brown and very crisp and the meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 180 degrees, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. If using a charcoal grill, you'll need to add 12 fresh coals per side after 1 hour.
• Using tongs, carefully transfer the chicken in its upright position on the beer can to a platter and present it to your guests. Let rest 5 minutes, and then carefully remove the chicken from the beer can. Take care not to spill the hot beer or otherwise burn yourself. Quarter or carve the chicken and serve with the Cola Barbecue Sauce.
• Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to blend together. Store the rub in an airtight jar away from heat or light. It will keep for at least 6 months.
• Combine all the ingredients in a heavy non-reactive saucepan and gradually bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat slightly to obtain a gentle simmer. Simmer the sauce until reduced by 1/4, about 6 to 8 minutes. Use right away or transfer to a large jar, cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for several months.

SODA CAN CHICKEN WITH CLASSIC BBQ RUB

Steps:

• 1. prepare grill. Brush grill grate with oil
• 2. Mix paprika, salt, garlic, Brown sugar, chili powder, and black pepper in a small bowl for the rub. Rinse chicken and Pat dry. Remove excess fat in skin from the chicken.
• 3. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the rub inside the chicken cavity. Brush outside of chicken with 1 tablespoon oil, then sprinkle with the remaining rub, pressing to adhere.
• 4. Pour 3/4 cup Dr Pepper into a measuring cup and set aside for the sauce, recipe follows Poke 2 to 3 additional holes into the top of the can. Arrange chicken cavity on can. Pull the chicken legs forward to form a tripod with the can serving as the rear leg.
• 5. Place chicken over unlit portion of the grill. Cover and cook until skin is Golden and crisp, juices run clear, and an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180°, 1 to 1 1/4 hours, rotating the chicken halfway through grilling. Remove chicken from grill and place on baking sheet. Let rest 15 minutes.
• 6. Dr Pepper chipotle BBQ sauce: 1 cup diced onion 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons olive oil 12 ounces +3/4 cup Dr Pepper, 2 1/4 cups total one bottle chili sauce, such as Heinz, 12 ounces 1 cup cherry preserves 1/3 cup cider vinegar 1/4 cup packed light Brown sugar 3 tablespoons molasses 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons minced chipotle in adobo sauce salt and black pepper to taste sweat onion and garlic in oil in a medium pan over medium heat, 5 to 7 minutes. Add Dr Pepper, chili sauce, preserves, vinegar, Brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and chipotle. Cook until thick and reduced to 4 cups, about 30 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper.

COLA-CAN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Using plain cool water, thoroughly wash chicken and dry.
• Combine all ingredients for Barbeque Rub in a small bowl.
• Rub oil over skin of chicken.
• Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of Barbeque Rub inside the chicken body and neck cavity.
• Rub 2 tablespoons of Barbeque Rub all over the chicken.
• Try to get some rub under the skin where it is loose.
• Pour out 3/4 cup of the cola and either drink it or discard it.
• Pour remaining 1/2 tablespoon of rub into the cola can.
• It may cause the cola to fizz, somewhat.
• Holding chicken upright, place it onto the cola can, making sure the can fits deeply into the body cavity.
• Pull the legs forward to form a tripod; this will allow the chicken to stand upright during cooking.
• Refrigerate chicken and allow to marinate while you get your grill ready.
• For charcoal grills: pile your hot coals around the perimeter of the grill leaving the middle open.
• Place a drip pan in the middle of the grill.
• For gas grills: use only one burner or side.
• Place a drip pan on the unlit side.
• Place chicken directly onto the drip pan and position it to stand upright.
• Grill with lid closed for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes or longer until meat thermometer register 180 degrees.
• NOTE: I used a 4lb chicken and it took 1 1/2 hours.
• Remove chicken from grill and let stand about 5 minutes.
• Carefully remove cola can from cavity.
• It will feel like it is stuck, but do not turn chicken on it's side as the hot cola will spill out.
• I held the chicken on both sides and pulled it up while dh was holding onto the cola can.
• This worked pretty well.