Beer Can Brined Roast Chicken

Name: Beer Can Brined Roast Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 large chicken; 440 ml beer; 3500 ml water; 2 lemons, sliced; 50 ml olive oil; 3 tbsp maple syrup; 300 g salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 4 bay leaves; 1 tbsp mustard seeds; 1 tsp black peppercorns; 2 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tsp ground cumin

This beer can brined roast chicken comes out incredibly juicy inside with crisp, deeply seasoned skin. An overnight brine and a simple sweet-spicy rub give the bird plenty of flavor, making it a great centerpiece for a weekend dinner or casual gathering.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time15 Mins

Cook Time80 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

large chicken
1
beer
440 ml
water
3500 ml
lemons, sliced
2
olive oil
50 ml
maple syrup
3 tbsp
salt
300 g
black pepper
1 tsp
bay leaves
4
mustard seeds
1 tbsp
black peppercorns
1 tsp
cayenne pepper
2 tsp
ground cumin
2 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the brine: combine 3.5 liters water, salt, caster sugar, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Transfer to a large bowl or food-safe container, add the sliced lemons, and let the brine cool completely. Cover and chill for at least 2 to 3 hours.

Submerge the chicken in the cold brine, making sure it is fully covered. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Do not leave it longer than 12 hours or the chicken may become overly salty.

Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it very dry with paper towels. Set it on a rack over a roasting tin and refrigerate uncovered for 6 to 8 hours to help dry the skin for better browning. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before roasting.

Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and black pepper. Pour out about half of the beer and place the half-full can in the center of a deep baking tray. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, then carefully sit the chicken upright over the can so the can fits securely inside the cavity.