Instructions

• Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
• In a small bowl combine the paste ingredients.
• Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the meat, starting at the neck and moving along the breasts. Repeat to separate the skin from the thighs and legs, starting at the tail end.
• Spread the paste evenly on the meat under the skin, making sure to coat as much of it as you can. Rub the remaining paste on the outside of the chicken. Fold the wing tips behind the chicken’s back.
• Prepare the grill for indirect cooking over medium heat (180°C to 230°C).
• Depending on which poultry roaster you use, either pour out half the soda and place the can in the poultry roaster and plunk the chicken on top of it. Or pour half the soda into the centre cup if your poultry roaster has such, plunk the chicken over the cup so it sits firmly.
• Drain and add the wood chips to the charcoal or to the smoker box of a gas grill, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and close the lid. When the wood begins to smoke, transfer the chicken on the poultry roaster to the grill. Grill over indirect medium heat, with the lid closed, until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone) reaches 74ºC, 1¼ to 1½ hours. Carefully remove the chicken-on-a-can from the grill (do not spill the contents of the soda can, as it will be very hot). Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes (the internal temperature will rise a few degrees during this time). Carefully lift the chicken from the poultry roaster and cut into serving pieces. Serve warm.
  Drain and add the wood chips to the charcoal or to the smoker box of a gas grill, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and close the lid. When the wood begins to smoke, transfer the chicken on the poultry roaster to the grill. Grill over medium heat, with the lid closed, until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone) reaches 74ºC, 1¼ to 1½ hours. Carefully remove the chicken-on-a-can from the grill (do not spill the contents of the soda can, as it will be very hot). Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes (the internal temperature will rise a few degrees during this time). Carefully lift the chicken from the poultry roaster and cut into serving pieces. Serve warm.

  Related Grill Skills

  Cutting Up a Whole Chicken