Beer Roasted Lime Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 (4 pound) whole chicken
• 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 lime, halved
• 1/2 (12 fluid ounce) can beer
• 1 cup water

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. Squeeze the juice from the lime over the whole chicken, then place the halves into the cavity of the chicken. Set the half full beer can in the center of a roasting pan or baking dish, and place the chicken over it in an upright position with the beer inserted into the cavity. Pour water into the bottom of the pan. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil, and place roasting pan and all into the oven.
3. Roast the chicken for about 1 1/2 hours in the preheated oven, removing foil during the last 20 minutes. Baste occasionally with the drippings. When finished, the internal temperature of the chicken should be 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) when taken in the meatiest part of the thigh. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

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I needed to cook up a chicken I had thawing but wasn't sure if I'd be using the meat or just freezing it. This recipe was great for making a versatile meat that can be used with any recipe. The lime or beer flavors aren't very noticeable, but the chicken is tender & juicy. I had to cook it longer than suggested: for about 2 1/4 hours, but it was worth it! Very yummy.