-
1
Mix all herbs and spices for rub.
-
2
Open beer can and then using a church key open the entire top (or as much as possible).
-
3
Pour out about 1/2 the can of beer.
-
4
Rinse and thoroughly dry outside AND inside of chicken (drying is very important or the rub won't stick).
-
5
Take a couple of tbsp of the butter and rub outside and inside of chicken.
-
6
Massage rub into chicken - both inside and out.
-
7
Place about 1 T to 2 tbsp (30 ml) of the rub in beer can slowly - beer will foam up because of the salt so add it slowly and at the sink.
-
8
Add chopped onion to beer can.
-
9
Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of butter to beer can.
-
10
Very carefully set chicken on beer can to form a tripod i.e., beer can is one support, legs of chicken are the other two supports.
-
11
Let chicken come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
-
12
If grilling with charcoal place coals around the bird for an indirect cooking method for about 2 hours.
-
13
If using gas turn on one side of gas grill and place bird on side that is not lit for about 2 hours.
-
14
If smoking fill water pan with apple juice, use Hickory wood chunks that have been soaking for about 1 hour in water and cook for 5 - 6 hours.