When whole chickens are on sale, many people stock up and freeze them for use later.  When grilling season is here, it good to have quick and easy recipes on hand.  This recipe is delicious and low maintenance and I wish I knew who invented it because I think it is just this side of brilliant.  Beer Can Chicken is a favorite of many and I am sure most people have heard of this recipe in one way or another.  There are many variations available with the one constant being the chicken sits up right with a can of beer stuck up its “rear end”.  It’s also called beer butt chicken for obvious reasons.  I am trying to be polite (although it’s not always easy).  At any rate, the can of beer stuck up the inside of a chicken makes it nice and tender as the beer steams during cooking and also the can gives it a perch if you will, so that it will brown evenly all over. It is a great option for summer grilling. It is simple and requires very little monitoring.  In other words, you put it on a medium grill and forget it for 50-60 minutes.  If you don’t have a grill, then this works in the oven as well at about 400 F. for 50-60 minutes.  Of course, you will need to set it in a shallow baking dish. 

1  whole chicken
1  can of beer, 3/4 full (you can decide what to do with the other 1/4)
pan spray, optional
3  tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
your favorite grilled chicken seasoning or simply salt and pepper

Preheat grill to medium (400 F).  Place the beer can on a plate. Brush the can with butter or oil or spray lightly with pan spray.  This will make it easier to pull the chicken off when it is done. Put the chicken on the can, legs down, wings up.  Brush with melted butter or olive oil.  Season to taste.  Carefully place chicken on the grill using a large spatula and tongs.  Make sure the chicken is sitting upright.  Close the grill and allow to cook for 45-55 minutes.   Remove carefully once again with clean spatula underneath the chicken and tongs.  Let chicken sit for a few minutes and carefully pull off of the can as the beer can will be hot.  Cut up into 8 pieces. Makes 3-4 Servings.  Enjoy!