Beer Chicken on the Braai

What a busy week this has been so far and it is only Wednesday . We had friends from Germany visiting over the weekend and they left on Sunday morning to continue their holiday. It was great seeing them and catching up but then it was back to reality. My hubby was out during the day shopping with Noa and came back home with a gadget called a Vertical Chicken Roaster. It allows you to braai a chicken placed on a beer can. We have seen it all over the place over the years and I really don't know what took us so long to get one. So an executive decision was made...  we made Beer Chicken on the braai. I always welcome a braai on a weekend, it gives me time away from the cooking process (well some time, but I am still busy in the kitchen, but I don't mind). Fredy gets stuck in with the fire and the prep outside while I take care of the side dishes. Also a bonus is that the kids are kept busy spending quality time with their dad.

I was thinking what side dishes I should make to go with the chicken, so I eventually decided on marinated mushrooms with breadcrumbs and grand padano, corn and potatoes with gravy. Man.... oh man, was it delicious. here is the recipe. Hope you try it soon.

Beer Chicken on the Braai
Serves 4

 

1.4kg whole chicken, skin on
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
garlic and ginger paste
1 teaspoon of chill powder
2 teaspoons of onion flakes
olive oil
2 teaspoons of coarse salt
freshly ground black pepper

Mix all the ingredients together and spread over the chicken and rub into the cavity. allow the chicken to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

330ml beer in a can
bunch of fresh thyme

Pour half of the beer out of the can oh, wait a minute drink it (waste not want not)
Place the bunch of thyme into the beer can
Carefully ease the chicken cavity over the Vertical Chicken Roaster or alternatively you could just place it over a beer can.

Place on the Weber braai.
Cook over indirect heat for 1 hour with the lid closed.

The internal temperature of the chicken should register at 77 °

Beware when removing teh chciken from the vertical roaster as the beer can will be very hot.

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes

Mushrooms with breadcrumbs and grand padano

Serves 4

4 large portabello mushrooms

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon chooped thyme leaves

1/2 teaspoon black pepper 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

30 grams breadcrumbs

2 teaspoons chopped Italian parsley

Salt and pepper to taste 

100 grams grated Grand Padano 

Mix together the balsamic vinegar, thyme, pepper and salt. 

Place the mushrooms on a plate and brush them with the balsamic mixture.

In another bowl combine the breadcrumbs, parsley and Grand Padano cheese.

Place the mushrooms, cap side down on the weber over direct medium heat for about 3 minutes.

Turn over and spread the breadcrumbs mixture and allow to cook for a further 2 minutes.

I placed the corn with their husks in between the coals, and they were divine. I just spread butter over when they were done.

So here  it is .... YUM!!!
Serve with any of the following wines and you good to go