Chicken Recipes
Mt Barker Chicken
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You can’t go past Mt Barkers Beer-Can chicken for fun and easy prep, to say nothing of its fool proof juicy flavour. Choose the classic recipe or go for one of our gourmet variations we’ve created in our kitchen. One thing’s for sure – you must start with the best quality chicken to get the best results and that means a big, plump Mt Barker Free Range bird.


Cooking Instructions for Cooking Mt Barkers Beer-Can Chicken

  1. 1. First you need a BBQ with a cover that can hold a chicken standing up on its hind legs (sort of like a Beer-Can dancer) OR, you can simply use the oven in your kitchen. Beer-Can chickens cook best on indirect heat, so if BBQing only light one side of the grill.
  2. 2. Pat the chicken dry and lightly rub oil all over it. Season the entire chicken with whichever rub or sauce you fancy. Let it rest while the grill (or oven) is heating to about 170 degrees C.
  3. 3. Open the can of liquid as per our recipes (no bottles!) and ‘remove’ about half of it, then carefully seat the chicken on the half empty can. You might need some creative problem solving to balance it, but place your Beer-Can chook directly on the grill or use a roasting pan if preferred. Note, you can fill an empty soft drink with any liquid you like in place of our suggestions, if you’re feeling creative….
  4. 4. Roast for about 1 1/2 hr, depending on the size of the chicken. The internal temp should reach 165° in the breast and 165-175° in the thigh. There is no need to baste Beer-Can chicken as the liquid in the can heats and creates a lovely flavoured steam for the inside cavity, while the BBQ/oven creates a gorgeous crispy skin on the outside.
  5. 5. Let it rest for about 15 min before serving. It will be sooo juicy you can pull it apart with your hands, or carve it nicely – your call! Decorate with some little Aussie flags and get your Australia Day party started!


Classic Beer-Can Chicken Rub

INGREDIENTS FOR RUB

• 2 tbsp. paprika
• ½ tsp. chili powder
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• ½ tsp. cayenne powder
• ½ tsp. Garlic Powder
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• ½ tbsp. salt
• ½ tbsp. pepper
• 1 can of beer
METHOD
Follow Instructions above using a can of beer.


Ginger Beer Beer-Can Chicken

INGREDIENTS FOR RUB
• 1 tbsp. ginger powder
• 1 tbsp. five spice powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 1 zest and juice of an orange
• 2 tbsp. peanut oil
• 1 can of ginger beer (choose alcoholic or non/alcoholic)
METHOD
Follow Instructions above using a can of ginger beer.


Bourbon and Coke Beer-Can Chicken with BBQ Glaze

INGREDIENTS FOR RUB
• 1 tbsp. smoked paprika powder
• 1 tsp. cayenne powder
• 1 tsp. coriander powder
• ½ tsp. cumin powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. pepper
• 1 can of Bourbon & Coke (set aside 125 ml for glaze)
METHOD
Follow instructions 1-4 above using a can of bourbon and coke, plus prepare and apply the following glaze:
INGREDIENTS FOR GLAZE
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup Bourbon & Coke (the 125 ml set aside)
• 4 tbs Brown Sugar
GLAZE METHOD
1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan and heat until mixture starts to bubble. Set aside.
2. At the last 20 minutes of cooking time brush chicken all over with the glaze for a flavour boost – and again 10 minutes before if you’re getting into the swing of things!


Apple Cider Beer-Can Chicken

We loved this one served with cranberry sauce!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp. sage
• 2 tbsp. parsley
• ½ tbsp. onion powder
• ½ tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1/2 can of apple cider (or apple juice)
METHOD
Follow Instructions above using a1/2 can of apple cider or juice.


Lemonade Beer-Can Chicken (Family Friendly)

INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp. thyme dried
• 2 tbsp. dill dried
• ½ tbsp. onion powder
• ½ tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tsp. lemon zest
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• ½ tbsp. salt
• ½ tbsp. pepper
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1/2 can of lemonade

METHOD
Follow Instructions above using a can lemonade.


Tropical Beer-Can Chicken with Marmalade glaze (Family Friendly)

INGREDIENTS
• ½ tbsp. cayenne powder
• ½ tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. ground coriander seeds
• ½ tbsp. salt
• ½ tsp. pepper
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 soft drink Can (Empty)
• 250ml pineapple juice
METHOD
Follow instructions above filling an empty cool drink can with 250 ml Pineapple juice. Then prepare and apply the glaze below:



INGREDIENTS FOR THE GLAZE
• 125ml pineapple juice
• ½ cup orange marmalade
• 2 tbsp. water
GLAZE METHOD
1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan and heat until mixture starts to bubble. Set aside.
2. At the last 20 minutes of cooking time brush chicken all over with the glaze for a flavour boost – and again 10 minutes before if you’re getting into the swing of things!