Delicious and Juicy Beer Can Chicken Recipe
As a food lover and wine enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for new ways to infuse my dishes with delightful flavors. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that has become a signature dish in my home, and I believe it will be in yours too.
Do you love the smoky taste of beer can chicken, but wish it had more depth and body? Or do you prefer the lightness and sophistication of white wine chicken but crave something more succulent? Well, dear reader, have no fear, because today’s recipe combines the two flavors in a unique and delicious way: wine-steamed beer can chicken.
Yes, you read that right. The recipe calls for a whole chicken to be cooked upright on a can filled with your favorite beer while being infused with the delicate flavor of white wine steam. The result is a tender yet flavorful bird that will leave your taste buds singing.
Join me in this journey into food wonderland as we explore this fantastic recipe. Gather around ingredients like fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, and olive oil; we are about to embark on a voyage of culinary bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of boring and bland grilled chicken? Do you want to impress your guests at your next barbecue with a unique and flavorful dish? Look no further than the wine-steamed beer can chicken recipe!
This recipe takes the classic beer can chicken to the next level by adding the complex and rich flavors of white wine. The wine not only adds a depth of flavor but also helps to steam the chicken, resulting in a juicy and tender meat. The fresh thyme leaves and garlic cloves offer a fragrant aroma that will leave your mouth watering.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. If you prefer red wine over white, you can easily substitute it in. You can also add whatever herbs or spices you desire to customize the flavor profile.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare. All you need is a roasting chicken, some white wine, a can of beer, and a few additional ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It’s an easy way to upgrade your usual grilled chicken routine without much extra effort.
So why settle for boring and dry chicken when you can impress your guests with this show-stopping wine-steamed beer can chicken recipe?
Ingredient List
For this wine-steamed beer can chicken recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 whole fresh roasting chickens, each about 4-4.1/2 lb
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced to desire
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- Kosher salt
- 1/3 cup white wine
- 1/3 cup beer (or you can just opt for using another wine instead, I prefer white wine on this one)
- A Roasting rack
You can also make substitutions and variations depending on your preference.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get started with the recipe itself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making wine-steamed beer can chicken that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredient List
- 1 whole fresh roasting chicken (3.5 – 4 lb)
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
- 1 garlic clove minced desire
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 1 can of beer (12 oz)
- 1/3 cup of white wine
Step-by-Step How-To:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F or heat up a gas grill for indirect grilling.
Step 2: Remove the giblets and neck from the body cavity of the chicken and rinse it inside and out thoroughly under cool running water. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, minced garlic, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Rub the spice mixture all over the outside and inside of the chicken.
Step 4: Pour one-third cup of white wine into a dish and mix in two tablespoons of olive oil.
Step 5: Open a beer can and pour out half of it. Set aside for later use.
Step 6: Sit the chicken on top of the beer can so that its legs are balanced and pointing down towards the bottom. If needed, use a roasting rack to stabilize the chicken in this position.
Step 7: Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil.
Step 8: Pour one-third cup of white wine into a dish and place it near where you will cook your bird.
Step 9: If you are cooking in an oven — place your bird on an oven-safe baking dish and put it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and cook for 1 hour, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
Step 10: If you are using a gas grill, carefully balance the chicken on the beer can and place it on the indirect heat side and grill for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches an appropriate reading.
Step 11: Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Try using flavored beers like smoked beer or amber ale for different taste experiences.
- Take extra care to balance your bird on top of the beer can to prevent tips over during cooking.
- Use a thermometer to ensure that your chicken is cooked all the way through.
Now that your wine-steamed beer can chicken is done — let’s move onto pairing ideas in the next section.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to add a unique twist to this wine-steamed beer can chicken recipe, here are some variations and substitutions that you can try:
1. Substitute the white wine with red wine for a fuller flavor and richer color.
2. Try using different herbs like rosemary, basil, or sage instead of thyme for a different taste profile.
3. If you don’t have beer on hand or prefer not to use it, you can use broth, apple cider, or even white wine instead.
4. Instead of using a roasting chicken, you can use a whole chicken, smoked chicken, grilled chicken, chicken roaster or even cooked chicken to make your wine steamed beer can chicken.
5. Want to switch things up? Try coating the chicken in barbecue sauce before cooking it for extra tangy flavor.
6. You can also add vegetables in the roasting pan with the chicken such as baby potatoes, carrots or Brussels sprouts as a side dish.
7. For beer lovers out there, instead of using white wine to steam the chicken try using different types of beer to suit your own preferences such as smoked beer or your favorite local brew.
8. Lastly for those who don’t have an oven or gas grill available, try cooking this recipe on your stovetop with a covered skillet over low heat.
Regardless of what variation or substitution you choose, these suggestions will help you customize your dish to fit your own tastebuds without compromising its essence – a deliciously succulent and juicy wine-steamed beer can chicken recipe perfect for any occasion!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving wine-steamed beer can chicken, there are several ways to present this dish for maximum enjoyment. You can simply place the entire chicken on a platter and let your guests pull off as many pieces as they desire. Or, you can carve the chicken into individual portions, removing the meat from both sides of the breastbone and cutting it into thick slices.
As for pairing wine with wine-steamed beer can chicken, there’s a plethora of options. This dish pairs well with a crisp, light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. The vibrant acidity adds a citrusy punch that cuts through the richness of the chicken. A buttery Chardonnay is also an excellent match, as well as a refreshing Pinot Grigio.
For red wine lovers, opt for a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Gamay. These reds have low tannins and subtle fruit flavors that complement the lightness of the chicken without overpowering it.
If you prefer more hoppy beers instead of wine, then a cold American Pale Ale or IPA would do wonders with its aroma of floral hops and balanced bitterness which makes it an excellent contrast to the earthy notes of garlic clove and thyme leave in this recipe.
You can also serve Wine-Steamed Beer Can Chicken with grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes. The savory notes complement each other perfectly without overbearing any flavors.
Overall, serving wine-steamed beer can chicken with a chilled glass of white wine or hoppy beer is perfect for any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve prepared the delicious wine-steamed beer can chicken, you may wonder how to store and reheat it. This recipe allows for some make-ahead options that can save time during busy weeknights or prepare for upcoming gatherings.
If you’re planning to serve the wine-steamed beer can chicken within the next day or two after cooking, let the chicken cool down to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You could also shred the cooked meat into bite-sized pieces, so they’re ready to add to salads or sandwiches.
In terms of reheating, avoid placing the chicken in a microwave as this will dry and overcook it. Instead, use a conventional oven or gas grill. Preheat the oven or grill to around 350°F (175°C), transfer the chicken to a baking dish, add some olive oil on top, cover with foil, and place in the oven or grill for roughly 10-15 minutes until heated through.
If you need to store it longer than 2 days before serving, you could freeze it. Let the chicken cool down completely and store it in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to six months. Thaw overnight in your fridge before reheating.
To add some variety to your leftover wine-steamed beer can chicken, consider using it as an ingredient in dishes like a full-bodied Coq au Vin or a light and fresh summer salad. The possibilities are endless with this versatile protein!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients to make the wine-steamed beer can chicken recipe, here are some useful tips to ensure perfect results every time.
1. Don’t skip the olive oil
Coating the chicken with olive oil before applying the rub helps lock in moisture and adds a delicious flavor. Make sure you generously apply olive oil to all parts of the chicken before seasoning it.
2. Use fresh herbs
Using fresh thyme leaves instead of dried ones will add brightness and depth to your dish. Additionally, using minced fresh garlic instead of powdered garlic will give a more intense flavor.
3. Let the chicken rest
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a tender and juicy bird.
4. Monitor cooking temperature
When using beer or wine for steaming it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature closely. If it gets too hot, it can cause your chicken to steam too quickly, potentially leading to overcooked meat or a dry texture.
5. Experiment with different wines
While white wine is typically used for this recipe, don’t be afraid to try red wines as well. Different varieties of wine will give your food unique flavors, so play around with what you have on hand!
6. Don’t forget to baste
Basting your chicken during its roasting time not only adds flavor but also helps to prevent dryness by keeping it moist while cooking in the oven or on the grill.
By following these tips, your wine-steamed beer can chicken recipe will come out perfect every time!
FAQ
Before we wrap up this wine-steamed beer can chicken recipe, here are some frequently asked questions that might help you customize and perfect this dish. Don’t hesitate to read ahead and learn more about cooking and preparing the perfect wine-infused chicken recipe.
What is the best liquid to use for beer can chicken?
For a fun twist, try using your preferred carbonated beverage like cola or root beer as a substitute. Another unique idea is to repurpose an empty and sanitized aluminum can by filling it halfway with a flavorful mixture of liquid, herbs, and spices. You can experiment with different combinations and have some fun with this approach.
What does cooking wine do to chicken?
When we talk about the culinary uses of wine, it is important to note that the beverage’s acidity plays a vital role in tenderizing the outer layer of meat. Additionally, the plethora of flavors in wine make it an excellent ingredient for marinades that can keep meat, poultry, or seafood moist while it is cooked.
How do you get beer can chicken to stand up?
To prepare a chicken on a can, place the bird straight up with the bottom opening of the body cavity facing downwards. Insert the beer can into the cavity until it fits securely. Finally, bring the chicken legs forward and onwards to form a tripod, allowing the chicken to remain erect while cooking.
What is the best cooking alcohol for chicken?
When contemplating pairing options for your meal, consider the color of your meat. If your dish includes chicken or fish, opt for a glass of white wine or a light beer. For red meat, it is best to pair with a red wine or a darker beer. This will keep the flavors working in harmony, allowing you to fully savor each aspect of your meal.
Bottom Line
After all, there’s nothing like a deliciously tender chicken that tastes of wine and beer to impress your guests or treat yourself. This wine-steamed beer can chicken recipe is a perfect way to accomplish this and to add an irresistible aroma and flavor to your dish.
By using white wine instead of beer, you’ll be able to enjoy the unique taste profile that wine brings, while still getting the tenderizing benefits of steaming with beer. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ or just looking for something new to explore in the kitchen, give this wine-steamed beer can chicken recipe a try; I am sure you’ll love it.
Wine-Steamed Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (4 -4 1/2 lb) fresh roasting chickens
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced (more if you desire)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leave, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup dry Chardonnay wine or 3/4 sauvignon blanc wine
Instructions
- Remove giblets from chicken; discard.
- Rinse chicken inside and out; pat dry.
- Cut off and discard excess skin and fat around body cavity.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper.
- With your fingers, gently loosen skin over breast, being careful not to tear skin.
- Gently rub thyme mixture evenly over breast meat beneath skin.
- Prepare barbecue grill and preheat for indirect-heat cooking.
- Rinse can (12-ounce soda or beer can) and shake dry.
- Pour wine into can, then carefully lower chicken over can until can is inside body cavity; Gently pull legs forward so chicken stands upright on can.
- Carefully set chicken and can, in this upright position, on center of grill (not over direct heat); cover charcoal grill and open vents; close lid on gas grill.
- Cook until and instant-read meat thermometer inserted through thickest part of breast to bone reaches 160*, about 1 hour.
- Using oven mitts, carefully remove chicken with can from grill, keeping it upright.
- Let chicken stand on can for 15 minutes, then, holding a towel around the can to steady it and protect your hands, with a large carving fork, carefully remove chicken from can to a carving platter or carving board.
- Carve chicken and serve, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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