Garbage Can Chicken Recipes

GARBAGE CAN TURKEY

Steps:

• Lay about 3 long sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil out on the grass to make a square about 3x3 feet. Pound the wooden stake into the ground in the center of the aluminum foil.
• Fill the lid of the garbage can with a large pile of charcoal, and light. Place the whole turkey (thawed of course) onto the stake, legs down. Turn the garbage can upside down, and place over the turkey. Place piles of lighted coals on the top, and around the sides of the can.
• Cook for at least 1 1/2 hours, or keep going until coals go out. Do not lift can during cooking. Brush the charcoal off of the can, and lift off carefully as some heat may rush out when you lift the can. The internal temperature of the turkey should be at least 180 degrees F (83 degrees C) when taken in the thickest part of the thigh.

BEER-CAN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Build a fire in your grill, leaving approximately half the grilling area free of coals. If using a gas grill, turn burners to high and then, when ready to cook, turn off the burner on the side where you will place the chicken. If using an oven, heat to 425 degrees.
• Remove neck and giblets from chicken. Rinse the chicken in cold water. Pat dry.
• Combine all the spices in a large bowl, then apply the dry rub to the chicken, inside and out.
• Put the beer can on a solid surface. Pick up the chicken and, taking a leg in each hand, put the cavity over the can and slide the bird down onto it. Carefully transfer the bird and the can to the cool side of your grill, its back to the fire, balancing the chicken upright and using the legs to support it in this position. If using an oven, place the chicken upright in a roasting pan using the same method and place carefully into the heat.
• Cover the grill and cook for approximately 1 1/4 hours, basting with barbecue sauce twice during the final half-hour if you'd like, until the breast meat registers 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer or until the legs are loose in their sockets. (If you're using an oven, you can tent the bird with foil after 45 minutes to keep the skin from getting too dark.) De-can and carve.
• Serve with white barbecue sauce and corn bread.

HOW TO COOK AN OVEN-ROASTED BEER CAN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Wet Rub: Mix all together the olive oil, thyme, rosemary, sage, a bit of salt and pepper; and garlic. Rub all over the chicken.
• Dry Rub: Mix all together the paprika, kosher salt, pepper onion salt, pepper, white sugar and brown sugar. Rub the chicken with a bit of olive oil and then coat the chicken with the dry rub.
• Preheat your oven to 375 or 190.6°C You may have to remove the second rack in your oven and move the other rack lower, so that the chicken will fit in while standing upright.
• In a large bowl, apply your rub of choice all over the chicken. Rub under the wings, legs, and even inside of cavities. Leave the chicken in the bowl until you are ready to place it on your can.
• Place the can on a baking sheet or oven-safe griddle. Place the chicken over the can. Open the rear cavity of the chicken and carefully place it over the can, so only about an inch of the can is showing.
• Place the chicken in the oven and roast to an internal temperature of 165 or 73.9°C Depending on the size of your chicken, this can take about 75-90 minutes or so. Once the chicken has reached the appropriate internal temperature, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving.