Learning how to use a smoker should be a lot of fun ... During this holiday season and what better way to get the laughter going at your next get together than to smoke a drunken chicken or three! Many times this is called "beer" can chicken or beer "butt" chicken, but I prefer the "drunken" chicken moniker!
Enough! This is an absolutely terrific way to do a whole chicken roaster. It comes out moist and delicious and really not much effort on your part. You can buy the roaster stand Steven Raichlen Best of Barbecue SR8016 Stainless-Steel Beer-Can Chicken Rack with Drip Pan
and the "drunken" chicken heads Ceramic Drunk Chicken Heads - New!
..... one of the best buys you will ever make!
Use your favorite dry rub. Pour some in a bowl so you don't contaminate it with "fowl" germs, rinse and pat dry the bird, then place it on a plate for a quick rub down, inside and out. Next, get a can of beer out of the fridge, then drink half of it .... now place the half full can into your roaster stand and slide your bird over the can in the roaster ( I don't need to be more specific, do I?).
I heat up my grill to 325 - 350, place a disposable aluminum roasting pan filled with about a cup of water / apple juice mix on the grate and place the chicken roasting stand inside. The roasting pan catches any grease that drops and the liquid adds even more moisture to the bird. I always use indirect heat when I do this, so slide the pan over the unlit burner.
Roast until your fowl has an internal temp of 165, about 1 1/2-2 hours. Check on it periodically, but I don't baste because I happen to like the crispy skin. Trust me, the inside will be moist, tender and juicy!
Prepare all your side dishes, or have the gang all bring their favorites and there is less for your to do.
When you bring this "bad boy" out of the smoker for your presentation make sure you put on your ceramic chicken heads (on the birds, silly!) and you will be queen of the neighborhood smoker scene ... lol!
This whole meal should be paired with plenty of beer ... after all we wouldn't want to mix our beverages! A lot of laughter with good friends and your dining experience should be complete!
When you learn how to use a smoker never take yourself too seriously!