Have you ever heard someone mention “dancing chicken” and wondered what on earth they were talking about? Well, you’re not alone! This fascinating term actually has two completely different meanings – one that’ll make you hungry and another that might make you laugh. Let’s dive into the world of dancing chicken in all its forms!
Dancing Chicken: The Culinary Delight
If you’re a foodie, “dancing chicken” probably brings to mind a specific cooking method that creates incredibly juicy flavorful roasted chicken. This method has been delighting families for generations with its unique preparation and presentation.
The Origin of Dancing Chicken (The Recipe)
Dancing chicken gets its quirky name from the way the chicken looks during cooking – literally standing upright as if it’s dancing! As one home cook shares
“We called it dancing chicken because you roast it on a vertical roaster, and we thought the chicken looked like it was dancing (and yes, we did move the legs and wings around to make it dance)!”
This cooking method has fond childhood memories attached to it for many people. For some, it was a family tradition where kids would actually play with the chicken before it was cooked, moving its legs and wings to make it “dance.”
What Makes Beer Can Chicken “Dance”?
The most popular version of dancing chicken is commonly known as “beer can chicken.” This cooking method involves:
- Placing a whole chicken on top of an open beer can
- Positioning the chicken upright on the grill
- Cooking it indirectly with the beer steaming inside the cavity
The result? A chicken that looks like it’s standing up with its wings tucked behind its “head” – like it’s in the middle of a dance move! Beyond looking funny, this method creates incredibly juicy, tender meat and crispy skin that’s packed with flavor.
Why You Should Try Making Dancing Chicken
There are several compelling reasons to try this cooking method:
- Effortlessly Juicy Meat: The beer (or other liquid) evaporates during cooking, constantly basting the chicken from the inside
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of rubs, spices, and the steaming liquid infuses the meat with amazing flavor
- Fun Presentation: It’s a conversation starter at any BBQ or family dinner
- Versatility: Works with different seasonings, liquids, and cooking methods
Basic Dancing Chicken Recipe
Here’s a simple version of dancing chicken that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
- 1 can of beer (or soda if you prefer)
- 3-5 tablespoons of your favorite spice rub
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill for indirect heat cooking (around 350°F)
- Remove giblets from chicken and pat dry with paper towels
- Season the chicken generously inside and out with salt and your chosen rub
- Open the beer can and remove about 1/4 of the liquid (drink it or discard)
- Make additional holes in the top of the can using a can opener
- Optional: Add some of your spice rub into the beer can
- Position the chicken onto the beer can, inserting the can into the cavity
- Place the chicken (standing on the can) on the cooler side of your grill
- Cover and cook for approximately 1.5-2 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Carefully remove from grill (the can will be hot!)
- Let rest for 5 minutes before carving
Pro Tip: For easier handling, consider investing in a beer can chicken holder. For less than $10, it makes the whole process much more stable and prevents tipping accidents!
Variations and Substitutions
Don’t drink beer? No problem! Many cooks have successfully used:
- Cola or Dr. Pepper (adds sweetness)
- Lemonade or fruit juice
- Chicken broth
- Wine (in appropriate containers)
You can also experiment with different rubs and seasonings. Some popular options include:
- Sweet and spicy BBQ rub
- Lemon herb seasoning
- Asian-inspired ginger and garlic blend
- Classic salt, pepper, and paprika
Dancing Chicken: The Performance Art
On the completely opposite end of the spectrum, “dancing chicken” also refers to a form of performance art with both traditional cultural roots and more modern interpretations.
Cultural Origins of the Dancing Chicken Performance
Dancing chicken performances have roots in various cultures, particularly in South Pacific regions like Polynesia. These traditional dances often:
- Formed part of local festivals and ceremonies
- Involved dancing with a cooked chicken on a bamboo stick
- Featured swaying and twisting movements in time to music
This folk tradition spread to the United States during the 1940s and 1950s as Polynesian culture gained popularity in mainstream America.
Modern Dancing Chicken Performances
Today’s dancing chicken performances take many forms across different cultures:
- Street performances in Southeast Asia featuring performers in bright chicken costumes
- Dance routines mimicking chicken behaviors like wing flapping and scratching
- Incorporation of props like hula hoops or giant eggs
- Ranging from simple dances to complex acrobatic performances
The Chicken Dance at Weddings
You might also be familiar with “The Chicken Dance” that’s commonly performed at weddings and parties. This dance:
- Originally came from Germany as the “duck dance”
- Was introduced to the US in 1981 during Oktoberfest celebrations in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Got its name when performers couldn’t find a duck costume and used a chicken costume instead
- Has become a staple at weddings for its ability to get guests on the dance floor
Why Do Real Chickens “Dance”?
Interestingly, actual chickens sometimes appear to dance in real life! This behavior has scientific explanations:
- Male chickens often “dance” as part of courtship rituals to impress hens
- Some chickens dance when excited or happy
- Certain movements might be dominance displays between chickens
As one chicken owner notes: “Admiral and Nemo dance back and forth to each other every day when I let them out for supervised free range time. It could be a way for them to show who is boss or just because they are happy or excited!”
Controversies Around Dancing Chicken
While both forms of “dancing chicken” have their enthusiasts, there are also some controversies to be aware of.
Culinary Concerns
Some critics of beer can chicken cooking method point out:
- Potential safety concerns with heating aluminum cans
- Debate about whether the beer actually flavors the meat
- Arguments that the steam’s effect is minimal
Animal Welfare Issues
More seriously, some forms of dancing chicken performances have raised animal welfare concerns:
- Traditional performances might involve distressed or disoriented birds
- Birds may be confined to small cages
- Some methods used to make birds “dance” can be painful
Animal welfare advocates have increasingly spoken out against performances that might cause suffering to actual chickens. Most modern interpretations use human performers in costumes instead.
Final Thoughts: Dancing Chicken in Modern Culture
Whether you’re talking about a delicious roasted chicken recipe or a unique form of performance art, dancing chicken has firmly established itself in various cultures around the world.
The culinary version continues to be a backyard BBQ favorite, with countless variations and personalized recipes passed down through generations. Meanwhile, the performance art continues to evolve while respecting animal welfare concerns.
So next time someone mentions “dancing chicken,” you’ll know they’re either talking about a mouth-watering dinner or a fascinating cultural performance… or maybe both!
FAQ About Dancing Chicken
What is the difference between beer can chicken and dancing chicken?
Beer can chicken is a specific method of making dancing chicken. Dancing chicken refers to any chicken roasted in an upright position, while beer can chicken specifically uses a beer can to hold it upright.
Can I make dancing chicken without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can substitute beer with soft drinks like cola or Dr. Pepper, or even use chicken broth. The important part is having a liquid that creates steam inside the chicken while cooking.
Why is the chicken dance performed at weddings?
The Chicken Dance is popular at weddings because it’s easy to learn, creates a fun atmosphere, and gets guests of all ages participating on the dance floor.
Is dancing chicken hard to make?
Not at all! Despite its impressive appearance, dancing chicken is actually quite simple to prepare. The hardest part might be carefully removing the hot chicken and can from the grill when it’s done cooking.
What side dishes go well with dancing chicken?
Dancing chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Potato salad
- Pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes
- Bean salads
- Rice dishes
- Grilled vegetables
How to Set Up for Indirect Heat
Gas Grill:
- Preheat: Turn on all burners to high and preheat the grill.
- Set Up Zones: Turn off one or more burners to create a cooler, indirect heat zone.
- Cook: Place the food on the cooler side of the grill, away from the lit burners.
Charcoal Grill:
- Light Coals: Light the charcoal and let it ash over.
- Arrange Coals: Push the coals to one side to create a hot and cooler side.
- Cook: Place the food on the cooler side, away from the direct heat of the coals.
My Beer Can (Dancing Chicken) Inspiration
Many years ago, while working for the San Francisco Visitors and Convention Bureau, BB helped shift the citys from “come visit our icons” to “come visit our restaurants because we have the BEST chefs.” During this time, we attended the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, CO, an annual event that introduces the top 10 new chefs, offers cooking demonstration classes, wine-tasting events, educational sessions, and, of course, delicious food.
At the event, I met Steven Raichlen, the grill master extraordinaire, who was demonstrating his Beer Can Chicken recipe (using Cornish Game Hens for time constraints). The dish was so good and tender that I bought his cookbook and decided to try it at home.
Using much of Raichlens technique (which isnt too hard) and a personal rub, this was the result: a delicious, tender, and juicy Beer Can Chicken.
- Effortlessly Juicy and Tender: Inserting a chicken onto a can of beer keeps it moist as the beer bubbles and bastes the chicken from the inside. The slow-cooking method ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness every time.
- Delicious and Flavorful: The flavorful rub enhances the taste, making each bite delicious. Plus, the beer infuses the chicken with a fantastic aroma and taste, without any alcohol remaining after cooking.
- Fun and Unique Cooking Method: “Dancing chickens” are not only tasty but also entertaining! The way the chicken stands on the grill with its wings tucked behind its head adds a fun twist to your BBQ experience.
- Whole Chicken – Fresh or defrosted from frozen. You could substitute Cornish Game hen
- Beer – for best results use a lager. Or IPA. or as I did, Bud. or Coors.
- Spice Rub – either Lindys Sweet and Spicy Rub for Ribs and Chicken, or your favorite rub.
- Salt
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with a canned soft drink. Many people have had great results using options like Dr. Pepper or cola, which add a bit of spice and sweetness. These alternatives will still provide the moisture and flavor needed to make the chicken delicious and tender.
Off-heat grilling, also called indirect grilling, is a method where food is cooked next to, rather than directly over, the heat source. This technique allows for slower, more even cooking and is ideal for larger cuts of meat or delicate items.
The chicken is cooked when it reaches 165ºF (77ºC).
For many years I just precariously positioned the chicken on the grill, using its own legs like a tripod. It never fell over, but I have to admit this handy stand makes it a lot more stable and easier to get on and off the grill. For less than $10.00 I highly recommend you get yourself one! (beer can chicken holder)
- If using frozen chicken, thaw in the refrigerator for 2 days on a tray to catch juices.
- Once thawed (or if using fresh), remove the giblets. Dry the chicken inside and out with paper towels.
- Generously salt inside and out. Apply the rub all over the chicken, including a bit inside. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Set up your grill for indirect heat and place a drip pan on the bottom. Open a 12-ounce beer or soda and make additional openings with a can opener. Drain the first inch of liquid and add 1 tablespoon of rub.
- Place the chicken on the can (using a stand if desired) and position it in the off-heat area of the grill. Close the lid, maintain around 350ºF (177ºC), and cook until tender and the internal temperature has reached 165ºF (74ºC).
- Carefully remove the chicken and hot can from the grill. Let it sit for 5 minutes before extracting and discarding the can. Carve and serve.
