How to Cook Juicy and Flavorful Beer Can Chicken

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Beer can chicken is a popular recipe for grilling that makes a very juicy and flavorful chicken. The idea is simple: season a chicken, put it on an open beer can, and then grill or bake it. The chicken cooks with the beer steaming and vaporizing inside it. This keeps the meat very juicy and adds flavor. It might sound silly to cook a whole chicken in a beer can, but it’s a simple and tasty method. Learn how to make the best beer can chicken at home with these steps.

What You Need

Cooking beer can chicken requires just a few simple ingredients:

  • A whole chicken—about 3 to 4 pounds for a broiler or fryer chicken. Make sure to take out any giblets from the inside.

  • Beer – Use one 12oz can of your favorite beer. Go for something inexpensive and light like a lager or pilsner. Avoid strongly flavored beers.

  • Seasonings – A simple seasoning rub of spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper is all you need.

  • Vegetable oil – Brush the chicken with a little oil before seasoning for crispy skin.

  • Herbs (optional) – Stuff aromatic herbs like rosemary thyme or lemon slices inside the chicken cavity.

  • Beer can chicken stand (optional): You can buy stands that are made to hold the chicken straight up over the beer can, but you don’t have to.

Seasoning and Preparation

  1. Remove giblets: Check inside the chicken cavity and remove any giblets or other parts. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry.

  2. Loosen the skin: Gently loosen the skin from the breast meat so seasonings can get underneath.

  3. Make a rub: In a small bowl, combine your favorite spices like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, etc.

  4. Brush with oil: Lightly brush the outside of the chicken with vegetable oil. This helps the skin get crispy.

  5. Season the chicken: Sprinkle some of the rub inside the cavity. Rub the remaining spice mix all over and under the skin.

  6. Add herbs (optional): Put herb sprigs or lemon slices inside the chicken cavity for extra flavor.

  7. Beer can: Pour out (and drink!) half of the beer from the can. Poke holes in the top of the can if needed.

Cooking Methods

There are two easy methods for cooking beer can chicken – grilling or oven roasting.

Grilling Method

  1. Prep charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking at medium heat (375°F).

  2. Place a drip pan in the grill between the heat zones.

  3. Lower the chicken cavity over the beer can.

  4. Place the chicken upright on the grill grates over the drip pan away from direct heat.

  5. Close the lid and grill the chicken for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the breast reaches 165°F and the thighs reach 180°F.

  6. Carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let rest 10 minutes before carving.

Oven Method

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

  2. Place chicken upright over beer can in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet.

  3. Roast for approximately 45-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thighs.

  4. Carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Beer Can Chicken Tips

  • For best results, keep the chicken as upright as possible during cooking so the beer steam circulates well.

  • Use tongs and heat-resistant gloves when handling the chicken to avoid burning your hands on the hot beer can.

  • If the skin is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

  • The beer itself provides plenty of flavor. Avoid strongly flavored or very hoppy beers.

  • For crispiest skin, resist peeking! Don’t open the grill or oven too frequently.

  • Let the chicken rest before carving so the juices can redistribute throughout the meat.

  • No beer? No problem! Use a non-alcoholic beer or any canned beverage like ginger ale instead.

Serving Suggestions

Beer can chicken is delicious served on its own, or pair it with classic backyard barbecue sides:

  • Corn on the cob

  • Coleslaw or potato salad

  • Baked beans

  • Macaroni and cheese

  • Grilled vegetables

  • Dinner rolls

  • Fresh watermelon slices

The moist meat of beer can chicken also shines in sandwiches, tacos, casseroles, and salads so leftovers can easily become tomorrow’s meal. Give this fun and flavorful chicken recipe a try – your family and friends will be impressed!

how do you cook beer can chicken

Select And Prep The Chickens

Purchase two whole chickens weighing 3-1/2 to 4 pounds each. Remove the neck and giblets from the body cavity and pat dry inside and out with paper towels. Trim any excess fat from around the body cavity opening. Fold the wing tips back under the chicken to keep them from burning.

Prepare The Beer Cans And Apply The Rub

Wash 2 12-ounce beer cans with soapy water and rinse well. Open the cans and drink half the beer in each. Use a church key-style can opener to make two additional holes in the lid.

Now prepare a batch of the rub.

Wild Willy’s Number One-derful Rub

  • 6 Tablespoons paprika
  • 2 Tablespoons ground black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons salt
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne

Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.

First, cover the inside of the chicken with the rub. Then, cover the outside of the chicken with the rub. Some rub can be put under the skin of the breasts if you want. Use your fingers to rub it in.

Place the chicken on top of the beer can and make sure it fits as far inside as possible. Position the legs forward to form a tripod, keeping the chicken balanced.

Let the chickens sit at room temperature as you fire-up your Weber Bullet.

How to: Make Beer Can Chicken

FAQ

How long do you cook beer can chicken in the oven?

Oven Instructions: You can also roast a chicken this way in the oven. Stick it where it says to on a roasting pan set on the bottom rack of your oven next to an open, half-full beer can. Roast at 350°F until done. A 4-pound chicken will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half.

How do you cook a chicken with a can of beer?

Open the beer can and pour out about two-thirds of it (or drink it!). Then, carefully place the chicken inside the can so it looks like it’s standing up. Position the chicken so it’s upright on a roasting tray, then place in the oven and cook for around 1 hour 10 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

What is the best liquid to use for beer can chicken?

Also, beer isn’t your only option! You can use your favorite soft drink, such as cola or root beer if you prefer. You can get even more creative with an empty, clean aluminum can. Fill it halfway with chicken stock, wine, or any mix of liquid and herbs and spices.

What temperature to cook a beer can chicken on the grill?

Preheat the grill to 350 – 375 degrees F. If you have an upper rack in your grill, remove it before preheating because the chicken will not fit with the upper rack. Try to keep the heat within this range while grilling, for more consistent cooking.

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