Bacon Wrapped Beer Can Chicken & Bacon Corn-on-the-Cob

Everything's better with BACON...That appears to be a trending statement in the Foodie World.  Me, I've been saying this for years!  Now it's just "cool" to say! With the temperatures a soaring, Patios are hopping... and BBQ's are grilling!  One of my favorite things to cook on the BBQ is the famous "Beer Can Chicken", served with a side of freshly grilled Corn-on-the-Cob, and little glass (or 2) of vino.  That being said... even I like to mix things up a bit...add a little fun into the mix, and personally... the flavour trend of bacon on anything and everything - well... I just had to hop onto that band wagon! 

YUP, after being on the water all day, the last thing I wanted to do was turn on the oven/stove and make the house even hotter!  This is where the Bacon, Grill, Chicken, Beer, and Wine comes in, wanting to kick it up a notch, and after seeing a picture Graham Elliot posted on twitter of a Roasting Chicken, wrapped in bacon... I figured.. HEY... I can do that!  OH BOY, did I ever,...YUM.

The addition of bacon appears to lock in the moisture of the chicken and add a perfect smokey flavour...  The Beer adds flavour and moisture from the inside... perfection to say the least.... AND in keeping with the theme of the evening... I even wrapped  semi-cooked corn on the cobs in bacon..and tossed that on the grill to finish too... why not right?!

Not to miss something... I then tried a new wine (Skinny Grape Wine - Pino Grigio), which was the perfect addition to sip on the patio while the Bacon Beer Can Chicken is roasting slowly on the grill. Have now added this wine (which happens to be a "lighter" option of vino... coming in at 8%, and "only" 80cal) to my shopping list for this patio season!  Light, crisp and very refreshing.  Fruity notes of pears, apples, plum and just a hint of citrus come through perfectly.

 There is no over night marinating... no major prep work here folks... I was able to enjoy my weekend outside to the fullest extent.  The only "work" really is allowing time for the BBQ to roast the chicken slowly to ensure a perfect-fall off the bone-juicy cooked chicken!  For me, it was about 1 1/2 hours on the grill, low, indirect heat.   If anything it gave me time to relax and reflect how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful province!

Pitt Lake, BC

We are lucky enough to have 2 beautiful lakes practically in our back yard.  Allouette Lake and Pitt Lake.  Both unique in their own ways - Pitt Lake being tidal!



YEEEUUUUP, and not to mention that we are a short drive from the Ocean!  Love it!!  ANYWAYS... before the sun sets AGAIN... I'll get on to the recipe!

Bacon Wrapped Beer Can Chicken

• 1 roasting chicken
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon BBQ Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon SMOKED Sea Salt (regular sea salt would work too)
• 1 lb bacon
• 1 Can beer  (I used GIB Brockton IPA )

- Open up can of beer, take a big swig (or if you're a lady like I am *ahem*, 2 big sips) , place on foil tray (not needed, but I find removal from grill and clean up easier with one)

- Rinse off raw roasting chicken with cold water, and dab dry with paper towel.  Place chicken ontop of can, so it sits as evenly as possible.

- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, BBQ Seasoning and Sea Salt

- Using a brush, or fingers...  rub the seasoning mix over entire chicken.

-Wrap bacon around chicken, securing if needed with toothpicks.  I tucked in the bacon slices at the top opening of the chicken, and wrapped bacon around the legs

-Place a half cup of water in the bottom of the foil pan (if using)
-Carefully place on Grill, on indirect heat - turning half turns, every 15 mins or so to ensure an even cook

For the Bacon wrapped Corn on the Cob

• corn on the cob enough for 1 cob for each person serving
• 2-3 slices of bacon per cob

- Cook Corn for 10 mins in boiling water

- Let cool slightly, and wrap 2-3 slices of bacon around the corn, securing if required with a couple of toothpicks

- About 10 mins prior to chicken being ready, toss on the bacon wrapped corn on grill, over low heat, and cook until bacon is fully cooked to your preference (turn frequently to allow an even cook)

- Remove Cooked chicken from grill, and allow to stand for 10 mins. (tent with foil if you'd like)  Check to ensure chicken is fully cooked, juices should run clear, and chicken should have an internal temp of 165F.

Serve with the Bacon Wrapped Corn on the Cob... dont' forget the wine... and enjoy!!