Sweet & Spicy Stella Artois Beer-Can Chicken

Beer can chicken, is a fun and flavorful way to cook a whole chicken on the grill. In this recipe, we're going to take beer can chicken to the next level by infusing it with sweet and spicy flavors that will make your taste buds sing. The combination of a spicy rub, a sweet glaze, and the flavour from fruity "pineapple", floral aroma from the Stella Artois beer, creates a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken 
• 1 410 ml can of Stella Artois beer. The size of this beer can is perfect to give the chicken enough height, off the grid.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sweet & Spicy Rub:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder  (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sweet Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons All Gold tomato sauce or a brand of your choice  
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or any white vinegar 

Method:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

a. Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and promotes crispy skin.

b. Remove any giblets or neck from inside the chicken if they are in there.

c. Season the inside of the chicken with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

2. Prepare the Sweet & Spicy Rub:

a. In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients—brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

b. Rub the mixture evenly all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Make sure to coat it generously, as this is where the flavor will come from.

3. Set Up the Grill:

a. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 175°C.

b. If you're using a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire by placing the charcoal on one side of the grill, leaving the other side with no direct heat. This will be your indirect cooking zone.

4. Prepare the Beer Can:

a. Open the beer can and take a few sips to make room for the steam.

5. Beer Can Chicken Assembly:

a. Slide the chicken onto the beer can, making sure it stands upright with the legs on the bottom and the chicken securely balanced.

b. Lightly brush the chicken with olive oil. This helps to crisp up the skin.

6. Grill the Chicken:

a. Place the beer can chicken on the grill.

b. Cover the grill and cook for approximately one and a half hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C at the thickest part of the thigh.

7. Prepare the Sweet Glaze:

a. In a small saucepan, combine honey, tomato sauce, and apple cider vinegar.

b. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until it's well combined and slightly thickened.

8. Glaze the Chicken:

a. During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, brush the sweet glaze all over the chicken. Be generous with it.

b. Close the grill lid and continue cooking until the glaze is caramelized and the chicken is perfectly cooked.

9. Serve:

a. Carefully remove the beer can from the chicken.

b. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

10. Enjoy:

Slice the chicken, and serve with your favorite sides. The sweet and spicy flavors, combined with the juiciness from the beer can, create a mouthwatering experience that's sure to impress your guests.

This Sweet & Spicy Beer Can Chicken is a fantastic dish for summer or any occasion where you want to delight your taste buds with a little kick and a touch of sweetness. Enjoy!