Root Beer Can Chicken

 Here’s a flavorful and fun recipe for Root Beer Can Chicken, a unique twist on traditional beer can chicken. The root beer adds a sweet and subtle flavor that infuses the chicken, making it incredibly tender and juicy.

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Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)

1 can of root beer (12 oz)

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tbsp paprika

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried rosemary

1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

1 lemon, halved (optional, for extra moisture and flavor)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).

Remove any giblets from the chicken and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy when grilling.

2. Season the Chicken

Rub the chicken with olive oil, making sure it’s coated evenly.

Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika (if using). Be sure to season both the inside and outside of the chicken for maximum flavor.

3. Prepare the Root Beer Can

Open the can of root beer and take a small sip (or pour out a little) to create space for the steam.

If desired, you can add a couple of sprigs of fresh herbs or a halved lemon to the can for extra flavor.

4. Place the Chicken on the Can

Carefully place the chicken onto the open can of root beer, inserting the can into the cavity of the chicken. The chicken should be upright, with the can holding it in place. You can use a chicken holder or simply place the chicken on the grill grate carefully.

5. Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken on the grill, standing upright on the can.

Cover the grill and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the chicken. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked at the thickest part of the thigh. Baste occasionally with some root beer if desired for added moisture.

6. Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the can (it will be hot, so use tongs or a pair of mitts).

Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

7. Serve

Carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

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Tips

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of root beer, olive oil, and herbs for a few hours before grilling.

You can also use a rotisserie oven or an oven to cook the chicken, but grilling over indirect heat will give it that smoky flavor.

This method works with other types of soda as well, such as cola or ginger ale, if you prefer different flavors.

Enjoy your Root Beer Can Chicken, a fun and tasty way to infuse flavor into your grilled chicken while keeping it juicy and tender!