Beer Can Chicken with Crispy BBQ Baby Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
• 3 to 4 tablespoons poultry rub (your favorite blend)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the chicken)
• 1 can of beer (330 ml, lager or pale ale)
• 1 clove of garlic (for the holder, optional)
• 1 sprig rosemary (for the holder, optional)
• 500 g baby potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for the potatoes)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Remove the chicken from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking so it comes to room temperature. Pat the chicken dry all over with paper towels.Rub the chicken generously with olive oil and then coat it all over with your poultry rub. Make sure to get some rub under the breast skin as well for maximum flavor.Open the can of beer and pour out about a third. Fill the chicken holder with the beer. Optionally add a clove of garlic, a sprig of rosemary or a slice of lemon to the beer for extra aroma.Place the chicken upright on the holder so it stands firmly. The legs together with the holder form a stable tripod.Set your BBQ to indirect heat between 160 and 180 degrees Celsius. Use charcoal or briquettes and make sure there is no direct flame under the chicken.Halve the baby potatoes and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. Spread them in a cast-iron pan or heatproof dish.Place the chicken on the holder in the centre of the BBQ (indirect zone) and position the cast-iron pan with the potatoes next to it. Close the lid.Cook the chicken for 75 to 90 minutes. Stir the potatoes once halfway through so they cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.Check doneness with a meat thermometer. The breast is done at 72 degrees Celsius and the thigh at 85 degrees Celsius. Only remove the chicken from the BBQ once both readings have been reached.Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This keeps the juices locked in the meat. Serve with the crispy potatoes and enjoy.