How Long Does Beer Can Chicken Take to Cook? A Complete Guide

There are many ways to cook a whole chicken on the grill or in the oven. We like beer can chicken. The chicken is standing on top of an open beer can. The beer’s steam keeps the meat moist while the outside gets crispy. How long does it take to cook a beer can chicken just right?

The total cooking time for beer can chicken depends on several factors:

The Size of the Chicken

The most important factor determining beer can chicken cook time is the size and weight of the chicken. A small 3-4 pound chicken will take less time than a larger 5-6 pound bird.

Here are general beer can chicken cook times based on chicken size:

• 3-4 pound chicken: 90-120 minutes
• 4-5 pound chicken: 120-150 minutes
• 5-6 pound chicken: 150-180 minutes

So for a typical 4-5 pound supermarket chicken, expect your beer can chicken to take about 2-25 hours to fully cook

Grill Temperature

When cooking beer can chicken on a grill, the total cook time will depend on how hot the grill is. Indirect grilling around 325-375°F will be fastest.

Lower grill temperatures of 250-300°F will increase cook time. If you heat the grill above 400°F, the outside might cook too quickly before the inside is done.

For gas grills, use a medium or medium-low heat setting. For charcoal, bank coals to one side.

Oven Temperature

For the fastest cooking of beer can chicken in the oven, set the temperature to 325 to 375°F. At 325°F, it will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes to cook a 4-5-pound chicken.

Higher oven temperatures will shorten the cooking time slightly, while lower oven temps will increase it. But avoid going above 400°F, which may overcook the outside before the inside is done.

Internal Temperature

The internal temperature of the chicken, especially the breast and thighs, is the best way to determine when your beer can chicken is cooked through.

Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temp in the thickest part of the breast and thighs. The chicken is done when:

• Breast reaches 165°F
• Thighs reach at least 175°F

Once the chicken reaches these minimum internal temps, the meat will be cooked through and safe to eat.

Visual Cues

In addition to temperature, you can check for visual signs your beer can chicken is done:

• The skin is deep golden brown and crispy
• The thighs feel loose when wiggled
• Juices from the thighs run clear when pierced with a knife

When the chicken shows these signs, and the internal temp is correct, you’ll know your beer can chicken is ready to come off the grill or out of the oven.

Resting Time

Once your beer can chicken reaches the target temperature, it’s important to let it rest before carving.

Resting allows juices to redistribute through the meat, keeping it moist and tender. Rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving.

Be sure to factor resting time into your total cook time.

Elevation

Higher elevations can increase cook times for beer can chicken. At higher elevations, lower air pressure causes water to boil at a lower temperature, which slows down cooking.

If cooking beer can chicken above 3000 feet elevation, increase cook time by 5-15%. Monitor temperature closely and adjust time as needed.

Using a Meat Thermometer

Using an instant read thermometer is highly recommended to check your beer can chicken’s internal temp. Thermometers take the guesswork out of determining doneness.

Insert the probe into the deepest, thickest part of the breast and thighs, avoiding bone. Compare the temp readings to the minimum safe finishing temps for chicken listed above.

Check in a few different spots to be sure the chicken is evenly cooked through.

Digital thermometers that can stay in the chicken while it cooks are ideal. These will alert you when the target temp is reached.

Always rely on temperature over time estimates for perfect results every time.

Key Tips for Cooking Beer Can Chicken

Follow these tips for juicy, flavorful beer can chicken:

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning – this helps the skin get extra crispy.
• Rub the skin all over with oil or butter before seasoning – this adds flavor and moisture.
• Use an open, half-full can of beer or other liquid in the cavity.
• Season generously under and on top of the skin. Try a savory blend of salt, pepper and herbs.
• Use indirect heat on a grill or lower oven temp to allow gentle, even cooking.
• Resist peeking! Each time the lid is lifted, heat escapes and increases cook time.
• Let the chicken rest before carving for maximum juiciness.

What if it Takes Longer Than Expected?

The cook times listed are general estimates, but every grill and oven can vary. If your chicken isn’t quite done when expected, no worries! Simply continue cooking and monitoring the internal temp until it reaches 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs.

If the skin starts to get too dark before the center is cooked through, tent foil loosely over the chicken to shield it from direct heat.

Don’t be afraid to go longer than the estimated time if needed to fully cook the chicken. Use your thermometer as the sure sign of doneness.

The longer cook time is worth the wait for tender, juicy beer can chicken!

Bottom Line

So how long does beer can chicken take? For a 4-5 pound chicken, expect around 2-2.5 hours when cooking between 325°F and 375°F.

Always rely on a thermometer over time to determine doneness. Cook until the breast reaches 165°F and thighs reach 175°F minimum.

With the right technique, beer can chicken delivers perfectly cooked chicken every time – moist, flavorful meat infused with delicious flavor from the steamy beer in the can.