BREWMEISTER'S CHICKEN: BEER CAN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Make the marinade by combining all marinade ingredients: whisk well to mix.
• Remove and discard any giblets and fat just inside the body and neck cavities.
• Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water, then drain and blot dry inside and out with a paper towel.
• Place chicken with the marinade inside a large resealable plastic freezer bag and marinate in the refrigerator at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, turning the bird several times to marinate evenly.
• Make the rub by combining all rub ingredients; set aside.
• Open the beer can and pour half the beer over the soaking wood chips.
• Remove the chicken from the bag with the marinade.
• DISCARD marinade.
• Sprinkle 1 teaspoons of the dry rub inside the neck cavity of the bird.
• Drizzle oil over the outside of the bird and rub or brush dry rub all over the skin.
• Spoon the remaining dry rub into the half-filled can of beer (beer may foam, which is normal).
• Using a church key can opener, make 2 additional holes in the top of the can.
• Hold the bird upright, with the opening of the body cavity at the bottom, and lower it onto the beer can so the can fits into the body cavity.
• Pull the legs forward to form a tripod, so the bird stands upright (the rear leg of the tripod is the beer can).
• Tuck the tips of the wings behind the chicken’s back.
• Light the gas barbecue and, using an oven thermometer inside the closed grill, heat to 350°F When warmed, turn off one of the burners and stand the chicken upright on the can over the NON-LIT burner.
• Place oven thermometer beside the chicken, not above the direct heat.
• Wrap the soaked wood chips loosely in foil, punching a few holes in the foil to allow smoke to escape, and place foil pouch directly over the LIT burner.
• Reduce heat, if necessary, to maintain interior temperature at 350°F Close lid.
• Cook until chicken skin is dark golden brown and the meat is cooked through, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Use an instant reading meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching bone; chicken is done when the meat thermometer is 180°F If chicken skin starts to brown too much, loosely tent the bird with aluminum foil.
• When done, remove bird and let rest, standing on a platter at room temperature, about 5 minutes.
• Lift chicken off the can, taking care not to spill hot beer.
• To serve, cut chicken in half or quarters.