ROOT BEER BBQ CHICKEN

By bjnelson55

Root beer and chili sauce are turned into a scrumptious glaze and dipping sauce for the easy gourmet chicken that is grilled over a can of root beer!

Ingredients

• 2 cans (12 oz each) root beer
• 2/3 cup chili sauce, such as Heinz
• 2 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1-1/2 tsp. dry poultry seasoning
• 1 Tbsp. oil
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 roasting chicken, 6-7 pounds

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare grill for indirect heat cooking. In pot, combine 1 can root beer, chili sauce, sugar, vinegar and 1 tsp. poultry seasoning. Over medium-high heat, bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool, then divide in half, placing in separate bowls.

Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix oil with salt, garlic powder and remaining 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning; rub over chicken. Remove 3/4 cup soda from remaining can and reserve for another use. Holding chicken by neck cavity, lower it over can so can goes into body cavity and chicken is standing upright.

Place chicken, standing up on can, in center of grill, make sure not to spill soda. Cavity opening will rest on grill rack with legs helping to prop it up. Cover grill. Grill, rotating chicken if necessary, until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh away from bone registers 180 degrees F, about 2 hours, brushing with half of glaze (from one bowl) during last 15 minutes.

Using mitts, carefully remove and discard can from chicken. Transfer chicken to serving platter; let stand 10 minutes before carving. Serve with remaining glaze in second bowl.

NO GRILL OPTION: Remove all but lowest rack from oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place chicken on soda can in center of roasting pan. Roast until no longer pink near bones, about 2 hours, brushing with glaze during last 15 minutes.