2 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1 lemon, zested
1 (3 1/2 to 4 pound) chicken
1 (12-ounce) can beer
Heat up your BBQ to about medium-high and make sure it has a lid big enough to accommodate the bird. Put a drip pan below the grates. This step is very important! We forgot and we had a large fire on our hands. I had to put the chicken into a pan to stop it from being engulfed in flames. Next time, I'll follow the directions and put it under the grate ;) You also want to make sure you only turn on one side of the burners, because the chicken will go on the other side, so it gets the indirect heat.
Mix the ingredients for the spice rub until they are well blended. (This will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for 1 week.) Rub it all over the chicken, inside and out. Don't be shy with it. It looks like a lot, but rub it everywhere: inside the chicken, outside the chicken, under the skin if you want. It's so good, you don't want to miss out on an ounce of the flavor. I found by rubbing it inside the chicken, it also seemed to infuse the chicken with more flavor.
Open the beer and take a big swig or just pour out a couple of ounces (which is what I did ;). Sit the chicken on the beer can, so the legs are at the bottom and the wings are at the top. Stand the beer can on the grates over the drip pan (on the side you didn't turn on). Put the cover on and cook over indirect heat until the juices run clear, about 1 hour.. (If using charcoal, push the coals to 1 side so the chicken is not over direct heat.) If you have a temperature gage on your BBQ you want it to read around 350 to 400 degrees. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of about 175 degrees, remove the chicken from the gril to a platter and cover with aluminum foil and let sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices in the chicken to redistribute and the heat of the chicken will continue to cook it so it reaches a safe interal temperature of 180 degrees. Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite summer BBQ side dishes.
