Photo: Oskar Blues Brewing
Let’s face it. The days of pool parties, beach excursions, sunburns, and kayaking trips are ending soon. The leaves are changing from green to bright yellows, oranges and reds and the echoes of cheering football fans can be heard from coast to coast. Summer might be over, but the change of the seasons means it’s time to tailgate. Tailgating at your favorite college or NFL team is as much a part of American culture as apple pie, Bruce Springsteen and the designated hitter.
The same old burgers and hot dogs won’t do. You have to up your grill game to impress your fellow tailgaters. Dale Katechis, brewmaster at Longmont, Colorado’s Oskar Blue Brewery (Oskar Blues has a second brewery in Brevard, North Carolina), thinks that you should try one of the easiest and tastiest tailgate treats ever created: Beer Can Chicken.
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Oskar Blues was founded as a brewpub before shifting their production to an actual brewing facility. Since they were the first craft brewery to can their beer (they did so in 2002), it’s only fitting that Katechis would be using the same cans to make his mouth watering beer can chicken.
What does beer do to the chicken?
“It makes it moist and, depending on the beer, adds flavor,” says Katechis. “Old Chub Scotch Ale, which has a dash of beechwood-aged malt, will add a little extra smoke to the bird.”
The different beer style you choose can impact the flavor in many ways. If you choose a stout, your chicken will get a smokier, more roasted flavor. If you choose an IPA, your chicken will get more of a floral, almost citrus flavor. “All of them will add moisture and keep the flesh succulent,” says Katechis. “Darker beers, such as Old Chub and Ten FIDY, may impart more flavor.”
You might wonder if it’s okay to sip on a beer while grilling beer can chicken “It’s not just ok, it’s recommended,” says Katechis. “We grill beer can chicken year-round at Oskar Blues. It’s a great post-MTB ride meal. Also, it’s fun to experiment with the rubs. If you like spicy, try our Thai Habenero Chile spice. It’ll make your head sweat, and it pairs great with a hop-forward brew such as Dale’s Pale Ale.”
Oskar Blues Beer Can Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 3-lb delish chicken
- 1 Oskar Blues CAN of bliss
- Salt & pepper Rev. Rog’s BBQ Rub
- 1 beer can holder to hold the can
- Covered gas grill that heats to at least 400 degrees
Directions:
- Heat covered gas grill to 375 degrees. Season bird inside and out with all seasonings.
- Drink half an Oskar Blues beer…..put the other half in the can holder.
- Stick chicken on the can/can holder. Cook the bird on top of the can for about an hour and a half or until bird reaches 180 degrees. Stick meat thermometer thru the breast to the middle of thigh to ensure proper temp.
- Keep the direct flame off bird throughout cooking.
- Serve with homemade coleslaw or potato salad and corn on the cob.
Happy grilling and eating!
