Beer-Can Chicken: Foolproof Recipes

Beer-Can Chicken is a tutorial guide with recipes by Steven Raichlen. Originally published in 2002, this reformatted, revised second edition is out 23rd April 2024 from Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint. It's 208 pages and is available in paperback format. 

The basic idea is that supporting chicken on a beer can while cooking will end up with a bird which is crispy on the outside, well moistened and tender and flavorful on the inside. A simple internet search will turn up thousands of recipes. It's become a favorite all around recipe from the jaunty presentation to the no-fail tenderness and flavor.

The book's introduction covers basics such as grill options, tools, supplies, ingredient choices, and general instructions. The following chapters contain the recipes, arranged thematically: beer-can chicken (multiple recipes), beerless birds (coke and other canned drinks), other bird options (surprisingly many), non-can chicken prep methods, sides (lots of options), and desserts.

Recipes contain a description and background introduction, ingredients in a bullet list, and step-by-step cooking instructions. Ingredient measurements are supplied in imperial (American) measurements.  The nutritional information is not included. Extra tips or recipe alternatives are listed in text boxes in the recipes. The recipes themselves are fairly straightforward and are made for the most part with easily sourced ingredients.

The photography is well done and abundant; many, but not all, of the recipes are illustrated with photographs which are clear easy to understand.

This is a nice collection of recipes and even allowing for the fact that some of them are very similar to others in the same category, this will keep grilling fans going for ages. These are simple "everyday" recipes which are anything but boring.

Four stars. This is a solid recipe book which will be used. It would make a superlative housewarming gift to a friend or family member who enjoys grilling.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.