Maple Beer Can Chicken

For the chicken and seasoning

• 1 whole chicken, about 5 lbs
• 1 can of beer
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 limes

marinade

1. Preheat the BBQ.
2. Open the beer can and pour about ¼ of it into a deep metal baking dish. Place the can in the centre of the dish.
3. Remove giblets and other parts from the chicken cavity and discard.
4. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
5. In another bowl, combine softened butter with about one-third of the spice mix.
6. Gently lift the skin of the chicken and rub the butter mixture evenly over the breasts and thighs under the skin.
7. Slice one lime into 1/8-inch slices and place under the chicken skin.

chicken

1. Sit the chicken gently on the beer can, inserting the can into the cavity.
2. Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil and the remaining spice mix.
3. Place the dish on the BBQ grill and cook for 1 hour 25 minutes.

Resting and serving

1. Remove the dish from the grill and let the chicken rest for 20 minutes.
2. Discard the beer can. Carve and serve the chicken as desired.