Beer Can Chicken

   Beer Can Chicken is one of our favorite things to make. Works great for a lot of people and a fun alternative to burgers for a cookout. It is pretty easy. The spice mix that we put on it is fantastic, but I cant take credit for that, the recipe is from the Neelys. It works really great in many different applications, we have used it on chicken breasts and fish. Well here goes...

I usually like to start by making my dry rub for the chicken, so we will start there. This is what you will need, just combine ingredients in a small bowl (you can store extra mixture in an airtight container for up to 6 months, you will not use all of the mixture when making only 1 chicken)...

• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika                  
• 2 tablespoons onion powder  
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin   
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme       
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano   
• 2 teaspoons black pepper    
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder   

Ok now that the rub is ready cover a sheet pan with aluminum foil, this will help keep the mess down. Also clean the chicken off and get all of the extra stuff out of the cavity..

*I cant do this part cause it grosses me out, so Mike has to help.. He thought it would be funny to scare Raegan with it, so I included that pic too, even though it has nothing to do with the actual recipe... which makes me think, this recipe is so easy, there is really no need for all of these pictures, but heck they make this blogging experience much more fun!*

Now rub the chicken with vegetable oil, making sure they are covered inside and out. Then sprinkle the dry rub on and rub it in, again don't forget to put the rub inside!

Next take a 12 oz beer in a can and pour 1/4 of the beer out *you can pour it down the drain or in a cup to drink, this is up to you!* Insert the can in the cavity of the chicken so that the chicken will sit on its own. Make sure it is fairly stable..

Finally put the chicken on a medium-high preheated grill. Cook for and hour to an hour and a half. Grill temperature may need to be turned down slightly to avoid burning..

Make sure when you take the chicken off the grill and inside to not lay the chicken down until you get the beer can out, all the beer left in the can will spill all over your counter and make a huge mess.. Ive done it haha!!

There you have it... the best chicken recipe ever, it will be juicy and a little spicy!! I hope you Enjoy and have fun cooking out or tailgating with this recipe!!!