Ingredients

  • 1 (12-ounce) can beer
  • 1 (31/2 to 4 pound) chicken
  • 2 tablespoons Basic Barbecue Rub, recipe follows
  • 2 cups cola Barbecue Sauce, recipe follows
  • 4 to 6 cups hickory or apple wood chips, soaked for 1 hour in water to cover, drained
  • 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup sweet paprika
  • 3 tablespoons ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons kosher or sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon hickory salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons celery seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 1 cup cola
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 3 tablespoon steak sauce, (recommended: A-1 Steak Sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon onion flakes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method

  • Pop the tab off the beer can.
  • Using a church key style can opener, make a few more holes in the top of the can.
  • Pour out half the beer into the soaking water of the wood chips.
  • Set the can of beer aside.
  • Set up the grill for indirect grilling and preheat to medium.
  • If using a charcoal grill, place a large drip pan in the center.
  • If using a gas grill, place all the wood chips in the smoker box or in a smoker pouch and preheat the grill to high until you see smoke, then reduce the heat to medium.
  • Remove the packet of giblets from the body cavity of the chicken and set aside for another use.
  • Remove and discard the fat just inside the body and neck cavities.
  • Rinse the chicken, inside and out, under cold running water, drain, and blot dry inside and out with paper towels.
  • Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the rub inside the body and neck cavities of the chicken.
  • Rub the bird all over on the outside with 2 teaspoons of the rub.
  • If you have the patience, you can put some of the rub under the skin being careful not to tear it.
  • Spoon the remaining 2 teaspoons of rub through the holes into the beer in the can.
  • Don't worry if it foams up, this is normal.
  • Insert the beer can into the body cavity of the chicken and spread out the legs to form a sort of tripod.
  • Tuck the wing tips behind the chicken's back.
  • When ready to cook, if using a charcoal grill, toss all the wood chips on the coals.
  • Stand the chicken up in the center of the hot grate, over the drip pan and away from the heat.
  • Cover the grill and cook the chicken until the skin is a dark golden brown and very crisp and the meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 180 degrees F, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • If using a charcoal grill, you'll need to add 12 fresh coals per side after 1 hour.
  • Using tongs, carefully transfer the chicken in its upright position on the beer can to a platter and present it to your guests.
  • Let rest 5 minutes, and then carefully remove the chicken from the beer can.
  • Take care not to spill the hot beer and burn yourself.
  • Quarter or carve the chicken and serve with Cola barbecue sauce.
  • Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to blend together.
  • Store the rub in an airtight jar away from heat or light and it will keep for at least 6 months.
  • Combine all the ingredients in a heavy non-reactive saucepan and gradually bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Reduce the heat slightly to obtain a gentle simmer.
  • Simmer the sauce until reduced by 1/4, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Use right away or transfer to a large jar, cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate.
  • The sauce will keep for several months.
  • Cook's Note: You can also barbecue a chicken on a can of cola, lemon-lime soda, or root beer.