WHOLE CHICKEN CAN RECIPES

Steps:

• Place the onion, carrots and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer as much as possible.
• In a small bowl, stir together the spice rub ingredients: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt and pepper.
• Place the chicken in a baking dish to catch any excess juices. If there is a bag of innards in the cavity of the chicken, remove it and discard. Drain out any liquid that may be in the cavity.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin around the breasts. Rub the olive oil and then the spice rub over the chicken, rubbing some of the seasoning under the skin on the breasts if possible.
• Place the lemon pieces and fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs in the cavity of the chicken. Optional: tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
• Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker, breast side up. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken registers at least 165° F in the thickest part of the leg, not touching the bone. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid during the cook time, as this can cause too much heat to escape the slow cooker.
• You can serve the chicken and vegetables as is, or use the following steps to brown the chicken and vegetables and make a gravy.
• Optional: Brown the Chicken and Vegetables under the Broiler
• Optional: Make gravy with the juices from the slow cooker.

Steps:

• In a small bowl combine the rub ingredients.
• Lightly brush the chicken all over with the oil and season, inside and outside, with the rub.
• Prepare the grill for indirect cooking over medium heat (350° to 450°F).
• Open the beer can and pour off half of the beer. Using a church key–style can opener, make two more holes in the top of the can. Set the can on a flat surface and slide the chicken over the top so the can fits inside the cavity. Transfer the chicken-on-a-can to the grill, keeping the can upright. Carefully balance the chicken on its two legs and the can. Grill over indirect medium heat, with the lid closed, until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 160° to 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone), 1¼ to 1½ hours.
• Using tongs, grasp the bird and slide a sturdy, wide spatula under the beer can. Carefully transfer it in an upright position to a platter and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes (the internal temperature will rise a few degrees during this time). Using tongs to hold the chicken and paper towels to hold the can, give the chicken a little twist to loosen the can before trying to remove it. Carefully lift the chicken off the beer can, keeping the can upright to prevent the hot beer from spilling (the beer will be very hot). Discard the beer. Cut the chicken into serving pieces. Serve warm.