Is there a recipe for grilled chicken? What’s the difference between a chicken breast and roasted bird? Remember those summer barbecues as a kid? The smell of charcoal, the laughter, and that one dish that everyone crowded around? For me, that was always my Uncle Joe’s beer can chicken. I’ve perfected my version, and it’s honestly the easiest and juiciest way to get a good sized face. Full-flavored bird with crispy skin that’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds.” What are some of the best baked chicken recipes?
What is beer can chicken?
What is can chicken? a whole chicken roasted upright on an open can of beer. What’s a vertical smoker? Infusing it with subtle malty flavor. Is beer overpowering? Is it more of a background note that enhances the overall taste? This cooking method helps the chicken cook evenly and gets that skin super crispy. Is it possible to grilled meat in the oven? What are some good conversation starters for a grill?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? The combination of the beer (I usually use a lager, but more on that later! ), the dry rub, and the smoky grill create a taste explosion in every bite. Is it savory, slightly sweet, and just downright delicious? Don’t let the name fool you. It sounds fancier than it is. What is the recipe for rubbing chicken with spices, sticking it on a beer can, and letting the chicken sit for about 5 minutes? How does grill work? What’s a lifesaver on busy weekends when you don’t have time to hover over the recipe? Plus, the **cost-efficiency** is a major win. Is a whole chicken cheaper than individual cuts? What spices are in your pantry? What are some of the best healthy meals that don’t break the bank? Is there a reason for the fact that there is “versatility”? How do you spice a beer rub? Is it safe to add veggies to the grill alongside the chicken? Is it a blank canvas for culinary creativity? What I love about this is how reliably juicy it turns out. I’ve tried countless chicken recipes, and this is the only one that consistently delivers a great flavor. How do I cook a perfectly cooked chicken every single time? How do you get rid of dry, bland chicken?
How do I make beer can chicken?
Quick Overview
How do I make beer can chicken? How do you prepare chicken with a dry rub, crack open cans of beer and drink it? Half, of course! ), nestle the chicken onto the can, and grill (or bake!) until it’s cooked through. Is it a hands-off method that allows you to focus on other things while dinner practically cooks? The beer steams the chicken from the inside, keeping it incredibly moist, while the dry rub and the gravy rub. What are some of the best ways to grill a meaty crust? I always do this when I have company coming over because it is a total showstopper!
Ingredients
For the Chicken: How do you prepare
• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), rinsed and patted dry. Make sure to dry that bird really well! It helps the skin crisp up.
• 1 can of beer (lager or pilsner works best). I usually go for light beer, but feel free to experiment! I once used a stout, and it gave the chicken an interesting, roasty flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Dry Rub:
• 2 tablespoons paprika. Smoked Paprikan is AMAZING if you have it.
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, crushed
I prefer sea salt or kosher salt.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
What are the Step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on the other side to create direct and indirect heat. If you are using an oven, preheat to 375°F. This is crucial for even cooking. Lightly grease the grill grates or roasting pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Rub
In a small bowl, combine dry rub ingredients. What are the ingredients for cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and thyme? How do you customize a flavor? Add a pinch of brown sugar for sweetness, or some chili powder for smokier taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
How do you pat a chicken dry with paper towels? Drizzle chicken with olive oil, then generously rub the dry rub all over the chicken, inside and out. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated with that delicious spice mixture. Don’t skimp on the rub!
Step 4: Insert the Beer Can
Open the can of beer and drink (or discard) about half of it. Why does beer overflow during cooking? Carefully place the chicken cavity over the beer can, so the can is supporting the Chicken upright. The chicken should be sitting securely on the can and its legs, forming a tripod.
Step 5: Grill (or Bake!)
For grilling:Place the chicken on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meat is tender. Serve immediately. In the thickest part of the thigh, the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F.For baking:Place the chicken (still on the beer can) in the prepared roasting pan and bake for about 1 hour and drain. 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Carefully remove the chicken from the grill or oven (use oven mitts – it’s hot!). Let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. To carve, carefully remove the chicken from the beer can (it might be a little wobbly), then carving. How do you prepare a roasted chicken? Why is a beer can hot?
What should I serve it with?
Beer can chicken is a great centerpiece for any meal! I love serving it with a variety of sides, depending on the occasion.For a casual barbecue:Coleslaw, corn on the cob, Potato Salad, and grilled veggies are always a hit. What is the best barbecue sauce? I like to have a few different kinds of sauce on hand – tangy sweet sauce, vinegar-based sauce. What are some good spicy options for those who like a little heat?For a family dinner: Roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, and a simple salad make a complete and satisfying meal. My kids ask for this all the time, especially with mashed potatoes and gravy.
For a potluck:Bring the whole chicken, carved and ready to serve, along with some crusty bread and a variety of vegetables. What are dips and spreads? What are the best crowd pleasers? What is the best beer to serve with can chicken? Can you make iced tea with lemonade?
How do I make a beer can chicken?
What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you achieve beer cans? What is chicken perfection?What is the best beer to drink? While a light lager or pilsner is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment! A fruity wheat beer can add a subtle sweetness, while a darker ale can impart a richer, more complex flavor. Just avoid anything too hoppy, as the bitterness can become amplified during cooking.
How do I get crispy skin?How do I get crispy skin on chicken? Is it safe to let it air dry in the refrigerator for a few hours beforehand? How do you make sure your grill is hot enough, and avoid overcrowding the grill grates? How do you prevent skin from crisping up?Adjusting the dry rub: How do I adjust theFeel free to customize the dry rub to your liking! Add a pinch of brown sugar for sweetness, some chili powder for smokier taste, or some herbs de la Provence for flavor. Provence for a more sophisticated flavor.Ensuring even cooking: If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure to arrange the coals so that the chicken is cooking over indirect heat. This will prevent the skin from burning before the chicken is cooked through. You can also rotate the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Checking for doneness: The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Avoiding flare-ups: As the chicken cooks, fat will drip onto the grill, which can cause flare-ups. To prevent this, keep a spray bottle filled with water nearby and spritz any flare-ups as they occur. You can also trim off any excess fat from the chicken before grilling.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover beer can chicken (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Methods: You can reheat leftover chicken in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals, until heated through. To reheat on the stovetop, shred the chicken and sauté it in a pan with a little oil or broth until heated through. I always add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep it moist.
I never recommend freezing the chicken with the skin on if you want it to be crispy after reheating. The skin tends to get soggy and unappealing. If you think you’ll have leftovers, remove the skin before freezing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this beer can chicken is more than just a recipe – it’s a tradition. It’s the taste of summer barbecues, family gatherings, and good times. The incredible flavor, the unbelievably juicy meat, and the crispy skin make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked chicken any other way.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other grilled chicken recipes! And don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below – I’d love to hear how yours turns out! What beer did you use? What sides did you serve it with? Share your variations and tips – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy grilling!
Beer Can Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken Whole Chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 12 ounces Beer
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Pat chicken dry and season generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place beer can in the cavity of the chicken.
- Place chicken on the grill and cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
