Beer can chicken is a popular grilling recipe that results in an incredibly moist and flavorful roasted chicken. The concept is simple – a chicken is seasoned placed on an open can of beer and then grilled or baked. The beer steams and vaporizes inside the chicken cavity as it cooks, keeping the meat amazingly juicy while infusing it with flavor. While beer can chicken may sound gimmicky, it’s actually an easy and delicious way to cook a whole chicken. Here’s everything you need to know about how to make perfect beer can chicken at home.
What You Need
Cooking beer can chicken requires just a few simple ingredients:
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A whole chicken—about 3 to 4 pounds for a broiler or fryer chicken. Make sure to take out any giblets from the inside.
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Beer – Use one 12oz can of your favorite beer. Choose a cheap and light beer like a lager or pilsner. Avoid strongly flavored beers.
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To season the meat, all you need is a simple rub made of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Vegetable oil – Brush the chicken with a little oil before seasoning for crispy skin.
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Herbs (optional) – Stuff aromatic herbs like rosemary thyme or lemon slices inside the chicken cavity.
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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
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Remove giblets: Check inside the chicken cavity and remove any giblets or other parts. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry.
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Loosen the skin: Gently loosen the skin from the breast meat so seasonings can get underneath.
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Make a rub: In a small bowl, combine your favorite spices like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, etc.
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Brush with oil: Lightly brush the outside of the chicken with vegetable oil. This helps the skin get crispy.
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Season the chicken: Sprinkle some of the rub inside the cavity. Rub the remaining spice mix all over and under the skin.
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Add herbs (optional): Put herb sprigs or lemon slices inside the chicken cavity for extra flavor.
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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
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Prep charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking at medium heat (375°F).
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Place a drip pan in the grill between the heat zones.
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Lower the chicken cavity over the beer can.
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Place the chicken upright on the grill grates over the drip pan away from direct heat.
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Grill for 60-90 minutes with the grill lid closed until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thighs.
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Carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let rest 10 minutes before carving.
Oven Method
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Place chicken upright over beer can in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet.
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Roast for approximately 45-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thighs.
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Carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Beer Can Chicken Tips
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For best results, keep the chicken as upright as possible during cooking so the beer steam circulates well.
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Use tongs and heat-resistant gloves when handling the chicken to avoid burning your hands on the hot beer can.
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If the skin is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
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The beer itself provides plenty of flavor. Avoid strongly flavored or very hoppy beers.
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For crispiest skin, resist peeking! Don’t open the grill or oven too frequently.
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Let the chicken rest before carving so the juices can redistribute throughout the meat.
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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:
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Corn on the cob
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Coleslaw or potato salad
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Baked beans
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Macaroni and cheese
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Grilled vegetables
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Dinner rolls
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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!
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.
Sprinkle the rub liberally inside the body cavity and the neck cavity, then all over the outside of the chicken. Some rub can be put under the skin of the breasts if you want. Use your fingers to rub it in.
Place the chicken over the beer can, making sure it’s firmly seated inside the cavity as far 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 (about an hour fifteen to an hour and a half for a 4-pound chicken).
How do you cook a chicken with a can of beer?
Crack open the beer and pour out around two-thirds of it (or drink it!), then carefully lower the chicken cavity onto the can so it looks like it’s sitting 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, you don’t have to use beer. If you’d rather, you can use your favorite soft drink, like cola or root beer. 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 your grill has an upper rack, take it off before you heat it up. The chicken won’t fit on the upper rack. Try to keep the heat within this range while grilling, for more consistent cooking.