Today is National Chicken Lady Day, which honors Dr. Marthenia “Tina” Dupree. Dupree was the Director of Community Relations and Training at the second-largest chicken restaurant chain in the world for over 12-years. Dr. Dupree led numerous efforts to improve education in her community. She provided training and certification that led to business opportunities to many in her area. She not only led by example, but she enhanced the lives of those around her. President George W. Bush hosted Dupree at the White House shortly after his 2001 inauguration. Bush praised her efforts to raise educational standards. Bush then proclaimed November 4 as “National Chicken Lady Day!” Let’s celebrate this wonderful woman with chicken and beer.
Beer Can Chicken
1 whole chicken
1 can of beer
Garlic salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons of your favorite off the shelf or homemade dry rub.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1. Set up your grill for indirect cooking.
2. On a charcoal grill, this means spreading the coals around the outer edges, but not directly below the food.
3. On a gas grill the outer burners are lit, but not the middle one.
4. Once the grill is covered (which it should always be for indirect grilling) the circulating heat works like a convection oven, so there is no need to turn the food.
5. Remove neck and giblets and discard
6. Rinse chicken inside and out; pat dry with paper towels.
7. Rub chicken lightly with oil, then rub inside and out with garlic salt, pepper and dry rub.
8. Set aside.
9. Open the beer
10. Place beer can on a solid surface or in your beer can stand, if you have one
Plunk the bird cavity over the beer can.
11. Transfer the bird-on-a-can to your grill and place in the center of the grate, balancing the bird on its two legs and the can like a tripod.
12. Cook chicken over high indirect heat, with the grill cover on for approximately 1 1/4 hours or until the internal temperature registers 165°F in the breast, or until the thigh juice runs clear when stabbed with a sharp knife.
13. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.