A whole chicken is the perfect ingredient to create a healthy dinner for your family. Organic and humanely raised, this is one of the easiest ingredients to get your hands on. My method below is a bit different from what you would normally expect from a grilled chicken but it gives the most juicy and flavorful result + a crispy skin to top it off! The leftovers are amazing for easy meals during the week. Think salads, sandwiches or even reheated!
For the ingredients in this recipe I love Traders Joes Whole Organic Chickens, they are reasonably priced and they always have a great selection of sizes. For the seasoning, the Traders Joes “Everything but the Elote” seasoning blend is great to keep it easy otherwise a custom blend of onion, paprika, garlic, cayenne powders and salt + black pepper is an amazing rub similar to the Trader Joes blend. Now for the the unique method I use for our grilled chickens. A can of beer, opened and pushed in the backside of the whole chicken! Commonly known as “beer butt chicken”, this is what creates a moist and juicy chicken straight from the grill!
Cajun & Beer Whole Grilled Chicken
4 lb whole, organic chicken
1/2 cup “Everything but the Elote” seasoning blend from Trader Joes or custom blend above
1 can of light beer
2 tablespoons of Olive Oil
Separate 2 tablespoons of beer from can
2 tablespoons of melted butter
- Dry your raw chicken and place in a dish for prep.
- Place a 1/2 cup of “Everything but the Elote” blend or mix your custom seasoning blend.
- Lightly brush your chicken with olive oil and then sprinkle the entire half cup of seasoning onto the chicken. Press the seasoning into the skin and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Open the tab on the can of beer and pour 2 tablespoons into a mixing bowl. Insert the rest of the can of beer (yes including the can) into the cavity of the chicken. If you don’t have light beer, whatever beer you have in the house works.
- My method calls for the chicken to be placed directly on the grill grates versus in a tin baking pan, this makes for the best crispy skin! **Be cautious when placing the chicken on the grates so it is sturdy and won’t tip over.
- During the first 30 minutes of cooking the chicken take the 2 tablespoons of beer and mix with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Use this mixture to brush on the chicken every 30 minutes.
- Cook for 3 hours or until the internal temp reaches 180 degrees. Check temperature at the 2 hour point to avoid overcooking.
This grilled chicken goes great with the Elote Off The Cob + a chilled Spicy Grapefruit Coupe! For the last month of summer, it’s a perfect meal before we start enjoying apple crips and warm soups for fall! Enjoy!
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