Beer Can Cooking Myths...

So...I ran across this article (http://amazingribs.com/tips_and_technique/debunking_beer_can_chicken.html) .... its an interesting read and being an old HVAC guy I understand the principals of thermal dynamics and this author is right on track when it comes to whether beer canning is truly effective. I've done a bunch of chickens and turkeys beer can and have always sworn by the technique. So I followed Meathead's recommendation and experimented with his process...

 

Two 5+ pound organic chickens....

 

Brined in 1.5 cups sea salt, 1/4 cup garlic power, about an hour & half.

 

(Always brine my turkeys, hardly ever brine my Chics)

 

Extra Large BGE

 

Mixture of 3 chunks Pecan/3 chunks Cherry (GOOOD Poultry Combo)

 

Egg is set with Plate Setter Up

Set my DigiQ @ 275

Use my Beer Can Sets to mount the chics (No cans)

Drip Pans flooded with Blue Moon

 

Rubbed the boogers with olive oil and my quick n easy rub inside and out. 

 

Theory: Moisture evaporating under the chickens versus the old method of trying to get the bear to evaporate inside the little critters gives it some benefit of the beer flavor. Under the traditional method of beer canning I never saw much of the beer evaporate. Under this method I used a full bottle of Blue Moon in the first hour. Once the beer evaporated the chics came up to 165 @ the breast fairly quickly....about 1.5 hours @ 275.

 

I wrap and throw um in the cooler for bout 15-20 mins to rest.

 

Simple Quick n Easy Rub:

 

3 parts Fresh Hungarian Paprika 

2 parts Chili Powder

2 parts Montreal Seasoning (Yup!) Like more heat add another.

1 part Garlic Powder

3-4 roasted garlic cloves in the cavities (If you like)

 

Chics came out perfect. Never told the Queen I change the beer can method.....she raved as usual.

 

Brined - Rubbed - Ready to go.....

Finished Products ready to go in the cooler....The Queen loves roasted beets...got some nice organic buggers...olive oil, salt and pepper. Leave in for the whole cook. Come out with a slight crunch with a nice mild smoke....

 

The Queen's Citrus & Cherrie Salad, beets, chics and a nice Pino Gris

 

Life is Good!