1. In a small bowl combine salt, brown sugar, paprika, dry mustard, thyme, pepper, and garlic powder. Discard about half of the beer from the can. Add 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture to the half-empty can (beer will foam up).

   Test Kitchen Tip: If desired, substitute the beer with non-alcoholic beer, apple juice, ginger beer, or cola.

2. Rinse chicken body cavity; pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture inside cavity. Add melted butter to the remaining spice mixture in bowl; mix well.

3. Hold chicken upright with opening of the body cavity at the bottom and lower it onto the beer can so the can fits into the cavity. Pull the chicken legs forward so the bird rests on its legs and the can. Twist wing tips behind back. Stuff the 1 lemon wedge into neck cavity to seal in steam. Brush butter mixture over outside of chicken.

   Test Kitchen Tip: To grill the chicken without the beer can, prepare chicken as directed. Place chicken, breast side up, on grill rack over drip pan. Cover and grill as directed.

4. For a charcoal grill, arrange medium-hot coals around a drip pan. Test for medium heat above pan. Stand chicken upright on grill rack over drip pan. Cover and grill for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thigh registers at least 170°F. If necessary to prevent overbrowning, cover chicken loosely with foil. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Adjust for indirect cooking. Grill as above, removing upper grill racks if necessary so chicken will stand upright.)

5. Using hot pads or oven mitts, carefully remove chicken from grill, holding by the can. Cover with foil; let stand for 10 minutes. To remove the beer can from the chicken, use a hot pad to grasp the can and heavy tongs to carefully remove the chicken. It may help to have two people for this step. Keep plenty of towels on hand for easy clean up! If desired, serve with additional lemon wedges.

What to Serve with Beer Can Chicken

• A peak-of-the-season tomato salad is a refreshing side that will compliment the sweet and lightly spiced rub seasoning the chicken.
• It's easy to toss a few ears of corn on the grill during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cook time for the chicken.
• Make-ahead a delicious pasta salad that is ready and waiting in the refrigerator when you are ready to serve the chicken.
  
• End the meal with a simple Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake. You can easily assemble and bake this light summery dessert while the chicken is on the grill. Or, try serving this beer can chicken recipe with a slice of homemade strawberry poke cake.