Root Beer Can Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

The Char-Broil Big Easy does a phenomenal job cooking poultry. You don’t even have to get all fancy with it, but sometimes I like to do a little extra and make a beer (or soda) can version of my favorite whole roasted chickens. This root beer can chicken came out fantastic. I used a slightly spicy but simple rub, and a good canned root beer. Moist and tender meat with great flavor. I couldn’t have been happier.

Root Beer Can Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Easy. Different. And Delicious.

The flavor from the root beer is subtle, but there. Use a quality root beer. If you can’t find one in a can, just empty (er… drink) a can of soda or beer and add the good root beer in.

There’s nothing complicated about cooking a whole chicken on the Big Easy. You can pretty much count on it taking 15 minutes per pound unless it’s really windy out. Of course you’ll still want to poke it with an instant-read thermometer to make sure it gets about 165 F, but I’ve cooked probably 50 chickens on my Big Easy and counting on 15 minutes per pound has never failed me.

My Apple Ale beer can chicken, made on the Big Easy, is also crazy good.

For something different, try my beer can cabbage on the Big Easy. It’s different for sure!

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Root Beer Can Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Root Beer Can Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

This root beer can chicken came out fantastic. I used a slightly spicy but simple rub, and a good canned root beer. Moist and tender meat with great flavor. I couldn’t have been happier.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 1 chicken
Calories 1854kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
  • Lightly brush the chicken with oil.
  • Combine the remaining ingredients except for the root beer. Reserve 1 teaspoon of the mixture. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning onto the chicken.
  • Add reserved spice mixture to the root beer and insert into the chicken.
  • Place chicken into the basket and insert into the Big Easy.
  • Cook for 15 minutes per pound or until the chicken has hit 165 F as measured in several locations.
  • Let rest 15 minutes before removing the soda can and carving.

Notes

I use the Char-Broil folding chicken roaster to hold the beer or soda cans securely. If the beer you’re using is only available in a bottle, just empty the contents into an empty beer or soda can.

Nutrition

Calories: 1854kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 145g | Fat: 116g | Saturated Fat: 33g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 571mg | Sodium: 5825mg | Potassium: 1739mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 3507IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 10mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Maryland Pit Beef on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

Not too long ago I made a Maryland-style pit beef on my smoker. It came out fantastic, but left me wanting to try the same idea again, but make it easier. And when I think easy, I think about my Char-Broil Big Easy. So off I went, and let me tell you, this Maryland pit beef is fantastic. The flavor is just insane. The meat is so tender and juicy, with just a bit of a nice crust. Perfect on a sandwich.

Maryland Pit Beef on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Don’t Let It Overcook…

The Big Easy cooks high-and-fast, and you want this Maryland pit beef to come off rare, so keep an eye on it. I went about 5 degrees further than I wanted, but I was still absolutely thrilled with the results.

Crazy-Good Sandwiches

I made simple sandwiches from this beef after slicing it thin. Just a bit of Sriracha horseradish sauce and that’s it. That’s all it needed. The beef has such great flavor that I didn’t want to hide it with onion or lettuce or tomato… or anything.

You can cook darned near anything on the Big Easy. Also try my tasty tender pulled pork.

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Maryland Pit Beef on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Maryland Pit Beef on the Char-Broil Big Easy

This Maryland pit beef is fantastic. The flavor is just insane. The meat is so tender and juicy, with just a bit of a nice crust. Perfect on a sandwich.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, Big Easy, Char-Broil
Prep Time 3 days
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 days 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 414kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the beef

For the sandwiches

Instructions

For the beef

  • Combine all of the spices.
  • Sprinkle all sides of the beef with 3-4 tablespoons of the rub. Don’t be shy with it.
  • Wrap the beef tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days, turning every 12 hours. The longer, the more flavor.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Remove the roast from foil and place into the Big Easy basket. Lower into the cooker and cook until the center reaches 125 F for rare, about 45 minutes. It’s easy to over-cook the beef, so start checking the temperature after 30 minutes.
  • Remove from the cooker and let rest 10 minutes before slicing thin.

For the sandwiches

  • Toast buns, if desired
  • Slather buns with the sauce.
  • Add plenty of onion then mound up the thinly-sliced beef.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 2151mg | Potassium: 688mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 436IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Smoked Cajun Chuck Roast

Incredible. Absolutely incredible. That’s all I can keep saying when I think back to this smoked Cajun chuck roast. The flavors were so good, so rich and fantastic. Spicy Cajun seasoning (I love our homemade mix, I use it in practically everything), beef, tomato, peppers, onions and garlic, with just a hint of chicory coffee. The meat is fall-apart tender and was so easy to shred. And oh how juicy.

Smoked Cajun Chuck Roast

Add Some Creamy Grits

I served this smoked Cajun chuck roast over grits, but rice would do just as well. There’s plenty of flavorful sauce for spooning over the meat, so don’t be shy with it.

You don’t actually have to make this dish on a smoker. You can skip that part and make it in the oven and still enjoy a fantastic meal. Of course, you’ll be missing out on that great smoky flavor.

I prefer to use fruit or nut woods when I smoke unless I want a heavier smoke flavor. Pecan, apple or cherry are my favorites. I used apple for this chuck roast.

I’ve made smoked chuck roast before, but in a slightly different manner. Both are outstandingly good and a great way to use a cheaper (than brisket) cut of meat.

Smoked Cajun Chuck Roast
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Cajun Chuck Roast

Incredible. Absolutely incredible. That’s all I can keep saying when I think back to this smoked Cajun chuck roast. The flavors were so good, so rich and fantastic. 
Course Main
Cuisine Cajun
Keyword beef, Cajun, grilled
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 1 day 8 hours
Servings 8
Calories 447kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 3 pound chuck roast
  • Cajun seasoning I used my homemade version
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 sweet onion sliced thin
  • 1 bell pepper red or green, seeded, sliced thin
  • 14 ounce petite diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup chicory coffee regular flavorful coffee can be substituted
  • rice cooked, for serving. cooked grits are great too!
  • parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Rub the chuck roast generously with the Cajun seasoning. Get all sides and all the nooks and crannies. Place into a resealable container or baggie and refrigerate overnight.
  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 250-275 F. Add a few chunks of light wood such as apple, cherry or peach. Alternatively, preheat your oven and skip to step 4.
  • Smoke the chuck roast for 2 hours.
  • Place the chuck roast in a large aluminum pan. Add the celery, onion, pepper, tomatoes, tomato paste, and coffee.
  • Cover in foil and smoke (or bake) for another 6 or more hours or until the meat easy pulls apart.
  • Carefully remove the chuck roast and shred. Return to the pan.
  • Serve over cooked grits or rice with the pan sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 1060mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 708IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat Famous Dave’s Country-Roasted Chicken

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

I’m a big fan of Famous Dave’s. I didn’t think I would be. I love my local BBQ joints, so I was skeptical of a big national chain, no matter how much I think Dave is a nice guy. Well, I’m not skeptical any more. Everything I’ve ever ordered there has been fantastic and the service has always been friendly. I highly recommend you stop in and get you some ribs (or pulled pork, or brisket, or country-roasted chicken) and don’t pass up on the wonderful sides. They have some of the best sides I’ve ever had at a BBQ joint. And, since I’m also a big fan of my Char-Broil Big Easy, I could not pass up making a copycat version of Famous Dave’s country-roasted chicken.

Copycat Famous Dave's Country-Roasted Chicken

It Couldn’t Get Any Easier

I took bone-in split chicken breasts, marinated them overnight and then tossed them into a lit Big Easy until done. The result was tender, juicy, and oh so very flavorful. And nothing could be easier to make than this copycat Famous Dave’s Country-Roasted chicken. I left the skin on the chicken. You can remove it before marinating and applying the rub if you wish.

You can’t go wrong with poultry on the Big Easy. Also try my copycat of Kentucky Fried Chicken’s roasted chicken. And for an even easier, Famous Dave’s copycat, just grab some of the chain’s seasonings and make chicken in no time with no fuss!

It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare grease trays on hand for your Char-Broil Big Easy.

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Copycat Famous Dave's Country-Roasted Chicken
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4.50 from 2 votes

Copycat Famous Dave’s Country-Roasted Chicken on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I took bone-in split chicken breasts, marinated them overnight and then tossed them into a lit Big Easy until done. The result was tender, juicy, and oh so very flavorful. And nothing could be easier to make. 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, chicken, roasted
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 13 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 399kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the overnight marinade

For the pre-cook marinade

For the spice rub

For the chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts large bone-in

Instructions

For the overnight marinade

  • Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or container.
  • Add the Italian dressing and toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally.

For the pre-cook marinade

  • Three hours before you are ready to cook, add the lemon juice to the marinating chicken and toss to coat.

For the spice rub

  • Combine the ingredients.

For the chicken

  • Fire up your Big Easy. You’ll need a Bunk Bed basket (see below) to keep from overcrowding the chicken.
  • Shake any excess marinade from the chicken.
  • Dust with the rub. Use a little or a lot.
  • Place chicken in the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker.
  • Cook until done and golden brown, about 10 minutes per pound.
  • Remove and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can skip the overnight marinade and just combine the Italian dressing and lemon and marinate for 3 hours just before cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 1988mg | Potassium: 910mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.