While grilling season hasn’t been with us very long, it’s entirely possible that you’ve already grown weary of grilled chicken breasts. When cooked even a moment too long, they tend to dry up quickly and need plenty of help in the flavor department. What can be done to bring a little excitement back to the poor grilled chicken? We have your answer.
Beer Can Chicken has gained popularity in recent years not only for the novelty factor which is doubtless there, but also because it cooks a miraculously moist chicken as a result. The idea is relatively simple: You grill a whole chicken propped on a half-full can of beer (or other substitutive beverage). The liquid in the can steams the inside of the bird and lends flavor and moisture to the cooking process. A spice rub takes care of flavoring the outside.
Chicken wings have long been a favorite use of our favorite bird, but grilling your wings are a great way to inject a little life into an old classic. Grilling rather than deep fat frying the wings also lends a little healthy input into the dish allowing for more guilt-free eating. Try brining the wings before throwing on some marinade or barbecue sauce and putting them on the grill.
Trying out one of these chicken recipes next time you’re firing up the grill will bring smiles to the table rather than the bored faces chicken used to bring.
Beer Can Chicken
This beautifully browned chicken looks like it just came off the rotisserie. A perfectly seasoned, moist and tender chicken awaits you and your family.
Makes 8 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup McCormick® Grill Mates® Montreal Chicken Seasoning, divided or McCormick® Grill Mates® Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning, divided
- 1 can (12 ounces) beer
- Preheat gas grill to medium heat (325°F to 350°F). Remove giblets from chicken cavity. Rinse chicken inside and out; pat dry. Rub chicken with oil. Rub cavity with 1 tablespoon of the Chicken Seasoning. Sprinkle remaining Chicken Seasoning evenly over surface of chicken.
- Remove about 2 ounces beer and poke 2 holes in top of can. Hold chicken upright (legs pointing down) and insert opened beer can into cavity. Stand chicken in upright position in center of grill. Position legs to best support chicken (similar to a tripod). Close lid.
- Grill 55 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from can before serving.
Grilled Mojito Chicken Wings
Your guests will be guaranteed to be licking their fingers with these grilled chicken wings that are tossed with a tangy cilantro-lime sauce, inspired by the trendy cocktail.
Makes 10 appetizer servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Refrigerate Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
- 1 package McCormick® Grill Mates® Mojito Lime Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Red Pepper, Crushed
- 3 pounds chicken wing pieces
Mojito Lime Sauce:
- 1/2 cup agave nectar or honey
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Mint Flakes
- Mix Marinade Mix, oil, lime juice, agave nectar and red pepper in small bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons marinade for brushing. Place chicken in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add remaining marinade: turn to coat well. Refrigerate 15 minutes or longer for extra flavor.
- Meanwhile, for the Mojito Lime Sauce, mix all ingredients in medium bowl. Set aside. Remove chicken wings from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.
- Grill chicken wings over medium-high heat 15 to 18 minutes or until cooked through, turning frequently and brushing with reserved marinade halfway through cooking. Discard any remaining marinade. Toss chicken wings with Sauce before serving.
Tagged as: chicken, grilling, ideas, recipes, tips
