If you’re anything like me then you’re all in a tizzy that July 4th is next week. NEXT WEEK. What?? I haven’t thought about what we’ll do, much less what we’ll eat, so this week I’m sharing a couple new and old favorite recipes that are perfect for the holiday. Whether you’re grilling or heading to a get together, I’ve got you covered.
Today I’d like to introduce you to Beer Can Chicken’s non-alcoholic cousin, Root Beer Can Chicken!
Ohh yes. A whole chicken is seasoned with homemade spice rub then plunked onto a can of root beer and grilled. Trust me when I say that it doesn’t get easier than this!
Beer Can Grilled Chicken has been around for ages, but since I haven’t found a can of gluten-free beer I love, I decided to go with root beer for a change. You know how root beer is incredible when slow-cooked with pork? Same deal with chicken. Mouthwatering. And while the inside of this chicken is the juiciest I’ve ever had, the skin gets audibly crispy while cooking low and slow on the grill. Think rotisserie-style chicken but crispier. Oh yes.
If you’ll be at home this fourth of july, eating as a family or having friends over, impress everyone with this recipe that’s not only insanely delicious, but truly simple. Fun too!
Start with the rub which is a combination of pantry-staple spices including salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, garlic powder and onion powder.
Mix everything up then set aside. This rub is fantastic on grilled chicken but is perfect to sprinkle on everything from red meat to salmon and shrimp. I just love the smoked paprika in there. It’s my new favorite spice of all time!
Next, pop the top of a can of root beer. As I mentioned, I chose root beer because a can of gluten-free beer is hard to find, and I wanted to see what it would taste like too. Turns out – awesome! Not sweet at all, so don’t sweat it sweet-meat haters.
If you don’t want to use root beer for whatever reason, any cola would taste great and of course you can’t go wrong with the classic can of beer.
Pour out 1/2 the can (drink it or save for later) then add 1 teaspoon of the rub into the top while holding the can over the sink as it will foam a bit. Put the can on a plate then set aside.
Finally – zee chicken. You’ll need a 3-4lb chicken with the neck and giblets removed if the chicken still contains them. I got this bird on sale at the grocery store for $6.99. A total steal considering it will feed 3-4 people!
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels then season the insides with a couple big pinches of the rub, and then season the outside with the remaining rub (you may not need it all.) Place the chicken over the root beer can then place it over indirect heat on a grill preheated to 325 degrees.
Now, what does indirect heat mean? It means not directly over an open flame. So, for my grill which has three main burners, I lit the two burners on each end then placed the chicken in the center. Then I grilled it for 45 minutes with the lid down, or until the thickest part of the breast reached 160-165 degrees.
It could take you 45 minutes to an hour, maybe a little more. It just depends on how big your bird is and how steady the temperature remains. That being said, it’s kind of fool proof. Check the temperature a few times (my grill has a thermometer on the outside) but just know that it’s ok if the temp ranges from 325 – 340’ish while grilling. You don’t want it much hotter than that otherwise the seasonings can burn.
Tip: if your grill doesn’t have a grease trap, place a disposable pie tin (or a homemade one made from heavy-duty aluminum foil) on top of the UNLIT burner under the grates to catch the drippings.
After the chicken is grilled to crispy yet juicy perfection, remove it from the grill with the help of a couple pairs of tongs then let it rest for 5 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or straight up. I didn’t need a thing!
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Root Beer Can Chicken
Description
Gluten-free Root Beer Can Chicken is a whole chicken grilled on top of a can of root beer. Super crispy skin and juicy chicken is the perfect centerpiece at any summer grill out!
Ingredients
- 3-4lb chicken, neck and giblets removed
- 1 can root beer
- grapeseed oil (or vegetable or canola oil)
- For the rub
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 3/4Â Tablespoon salt
- 1/2 Tablespoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
- Preheat grill over high heat until it reaches 325 degrees then turn down to medium-high to maintain temperature. Combine all rub ingredients in a small bowl then mix to combine.
- Pour out half the can of root beer then add 1 teaspoon rub mixture into the can while holding it over the sink as it will foam and over flow a bit. Place root beer can on a plate then set aside.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels then rub all over with oil. Season the inside with a couple big pinches of the rub then season the outside (may not need it all.) Place chicken over root beer can then transfer to the grill over indirect heat - meaning don't place the chicken directly over the flame.
- Put the lid down then grill for 45 minutes - 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer placed into the thickest part of the breast reads 160-165 degrees, keeping the temperature between 325 and 340 degrees during cooking time (it doesn't have to be precise.) Do not lift the lid for at least the first 40 minutes as the grill will take a long time to heat back up.
- Use tongs to transfer the chicken and root beer can to a plate then let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Be very careful as the root beer can will be HOT!
Notes
If your grill does not have a grease trap, place a disposable pie tin or one made out of heavy-duty foil under the grates to check the chicken drippings.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
This rub is so, so good. The perfect mix of salty, smoky, and savory. And that skin? SO crispy!
I served my Root Beer Can Chicken with a few simple veggie kabobs. That’s just mushrooms skewered with green bell pepper and red onion, spritzed with extra virgin olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and then grilled until tender. Delish. Enjoy, enjoy!
heather 06.23.2014
I love this whole post!
shelly (cookies and cups) 06.23.2014
That baby is precious! And I totally need to try this.. we LOVE root beer!
Caroline 06.23.2014
That sounds lovely! Weird question…my daughter had to go gluten free, and we were told that root beer had gluten in it. She has been so disappointed as it was one of her favorite treats! Did you find a non-gluten root beer specifically, or do you think we were given false information?
Kristin 06.23.2014
I found this thread via a quick google search – seems like old-fashioned/homemade root beer can contain gluten, but most of the commercial root beers do not. I did not have a problem with the Hy-Vee brand I used! http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/topic/39704-gluten-in-root-beer/
Melissa Duncan 09.25.2018
A&W Root beer is GF as well. Google searches helped me out when I was new to celiac. An app called Ipiit helps as well.
Matt Robinson 06.23.2014
Such an awesome idea, love the flavors! And what great pics:)
Kelly Mitchem 06.23.2014
Looks like an awesome weekend, your son is too cute!
Dijana 06.23.2014
That looks amazing! I wonder what I would need to adjust for a charcoal grill?
Kristin 06.23.2014
I would put all the hot coals off to one side then add a few more hot coals maybe once or twice throughout the process (I’m sorry I don’t know more – I have never cooked over a charcoal grill!)
AmberLynn Pappas 06.23.2014
Your blog always makes me miss home! I’m a Cyclone alum too whose spent many a dinner at Hickory Park. Cannot wait to try this as root beer and chicken are two of my favorite ingestibles!
Alexa 06.23.2014
Where is that cute tank from you wore to the Farmers Market book signing??
Kristin 06.23.2014
Express a few years ago! :)
Claudia 06.23.2014
I love that his little toes curl when he kisses you! What a cutie. Would love to have one of those cookbooks. I’ll need to try the chicken.
brittany 06.23.2014
Oh MY word…would LOVE to have one of those cookbooks!
What fun this chicken will be to make this weekend. Summer has me craving a grill item at least once a week so this. will. happen.
And do I REALLY see green peppers on that skewer?? Are you a changed woman now?!
Kristin 06.23.2014
HAHA, right?! The only, and I mean ONLY way I can tolerate peppers is grilled. And they have to be grilled green peppers, no other color. :)
Ali | Gimme Some Oven 06.23.2014
Lincoln is getting SO BIG! Looks like a really fun weekend. And this recipe is brilliant! I adore beer can chicken, so need to try this!
Chicago Jogger 06.23.2014
It has never crossed my mind to make root beer chicken!! Looks like the perfect summer dinner.
Laura @ Raise Your Garden 06.23.2014
Chicken + Root Beer = True love always.
Nuff said!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets 06.23.2014
That chicken sound delicious! Love that you used root beer! And your little man, how cute!!!
Caitlin @ teaspoon 06.23.2014
I’ve always wanted to make beer can chicken…but now I want to make this way more! Root beer floats can step aside this summer, I’m definitely going to try this out.
Shawna 06.23.2014
Does the chicken have a root beer flavor to it?
Aisling McCabe 06.23.2014
That chicken looks delicious (as does your lovely sunny day). Would this work in a conventional oven?
Lauren 06.23.2014
That picture is priceless! He is such a little stud muffin. :)
Losing Lindy 06.23.2014
I WANT one of those cookbooks…we are driving to SD next weekend, and can drive through IOWA…will you be handing them out?
Bri | Bites of Bri 06.23.2014
Kristin, this looks amazing! I cannot wait to try it! Lincoln is getting so big. Can’t believe it has been almost a year…time flies.