The Ultimate Guide to Beer Can Chicken: How to BBQ Right Style

Ever wanted to make a chicken that’s juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and has people talking about your BBQ skills for days? Beer can chicken is your answer! I’ve been perfecting this technique for years and today I’m sharing everything you need to know to nail this impressive BBQ centerpiece.

What Exactly Is Beer Can Chicken?

This is a way to cook a whole chicken on a grill or smoker: you put it upright on a partially filled beer can. As the beer heats up, it makes steam that cooks the chicken evenly and adds flavor and moisture from the inside out. The outside gets that beautiful, even cooking that makes for picture-perfect BBQ.

The result? A bird that’s

• Incredibly moist and tender
• Packed with flavor
• Evenly cooked
• Impressive to look at

Why Beer Can Chicken Works So Well

There’s science behind this fun cooking method:

1. Even cooking – The upright position allows heat to circulate around the entire chicken
2. Moisture retention – The beer creates steam inside the cavity, keeping the meat juicy
3. Flavor infusion – The beer vapor subtly flavors the meat from within
4. Crispy skin – The exterior gets direct heat for that perfect finish

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (4-6 pounds)
• 1 can of beer (any type works, but lager or ale is recommended)
• 2-3 tablespoons of BBQ rub (I recommend Killer Hogs Hot BBQ Rub or similar)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
• Optional: additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika

Equipment:

• BBQ grill or smoker
• Beer can chicken holder (recommended but not required)
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Chicken

First things first – get that chicken ready:

1. Remove the chicken from packaging and remove any giblets from the cavity
2. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels (this helps get crispy skin)
3. Spray or rub the entire chicken with olive oil or cooking spray
4. Season generously with your BBQ rub, making sure to get under the wings, legs, and inside the cavity

Pro tip: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! The chicken can handle more than you think.

2. Prepare Your Beer Can

Now for the fun part:

1. Open your beer can
2. Pour out (or drink) about half the beer – you want the can about half full
3. Some folks like to add additional seasonings directly to the beer for extra flavor
4. If you have a beer can chicken holder, place the can in the holder

3. Mount the Chicken

This is where it gets a bit funny-looking:

1. Lower the chicken cavity onto the beer can, making sure it’s inserted about 2 inches
2. Balance the chicken so it’s sitting upright with the legs pointing down
3. Tuck the wing tips behind the chicken’s back if possible

If you’re using a dedicated beer can chicken holder, this step is much easier. If not, you might need to adjust the legs to form a tripod with the can for stability.

4. Set Up Your BBQ

Temperature control is crucial here:

1. For a gas grill: preheat to medium heat (around 350°F-375°F)
2. For a charcoal grill: create an indirect heat zone by piling coals on one side
3. For a smoker: preheat to 325°F (as recommended by Malcom Reed of HowToBBQRight)

5. Cook That Bird!

Time to let the magic happen:

1. Carefully transfer your chicken to the grill, placing it in the indirect heat zone
2. Close the lid and let it cook
3. For a 4-6 pound chicken at 325-350°F, expect about 1 to 1.5 hours of cooking time
4. If using a smoker, pecan pellets provide a nice flavor profile

The most important thing to do is use a meat thermometer to see if the meat is done. When the breasts reach 160°F at their thickest point, the chicken is done. During rest time, it will keep cooking until it reaches 165°F, which is safe.

6. Rest and Serve

Patience pays off:

1. Carefully remove the chicken from the grill (this can be tricky – use heat-resistant gloves)
2. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before removing it from the can
3. Carve and serve as desired

Common Questions About Beer Can Chicken

What type of beer should I use?

You can use any beer you like! Lagers and ales are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with:

• IPAs for a hoppy flavor
• Stouts for richer, deeper notes
• Fruit beers for a slight sweetness
• Non-alcoholic beer works too!

As Malcom Reed from HowToBBQRight says, “You can use any beer – or any liquid – for Beer Can Chicken.”

Do I need a beer can chicken holder?

Not absolutely necessary, but highly recommended. They provide stability and make the whole process much easier and safer. Plus, they prevent tippy chickens and beer spills!

Can I cook beer can chicken in the oven?

Yes, but put the chicken on a baking sheet with sides to catch any drips. Use the same method. Cook at 350°F until it reaches the proper internal temperature.

How do I know when it’s done?

Always use a meat thermometer. When 160°F is reached in the thickest part of the breast, the chicken is done. Once it’s time to rest, it will keep cooking until it reaches a safe 165°F.

What if I don’t drink beer?

No problem! You can use:

• Empty soda cans filled halfway with chicken broth
• Apple juice or cider
• Wine
• Even just water with herbs and spices

Can I use a charcoal grill?

Definitely! Beer can chicken works great on charcoal grills. Just make sure to set up for indirect cooking by piling the coals on one side and placing the chicken on the other.

Turning Your Beer Can Chicken into Amazing Meals

One of the best things about beer can chicken is its versatility. Here are some ideas for serving:

Beer Can Chicken Sliders (Malcom Reed Style)

• Shred the chicken
• Serve on Hawaiian slider rolls
• Drizzle with Mississippi White Sauce
• Add spicy pickles

Other Great Options:

• Chicken tacos with fresh salsa and avocado
• BBQ chicken sandwiches with coleslaw
• Chicken salad with grapes and walnuts
• Buffalo chicken wraps
• Add to pasta with a creamy sauce

Pro Tips for Beer Can Chicken Success

After making this dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks:

1. Season aggressively – Chicken can handle more seasoning than you might think
2. Keep the lid closed – Every time you peek, you lose heat and extend cooking time
3. Consider a drip pan – Place under the chicken to catch drips and prevent flare-ups
4. Baste occasionally – For extra flavor, baste with butter or sauce during the last 20 minutes
5. Let it rest properly – This is crucial for juicy meat; don’t skip the resting period
6. Try different woods – Pecan, apple, or cherry wood chips add nice subtle smoke flavors

Safety Tips

A few important reminders:

1. Handle raw chicken properly and wash hands and surfaces thoroughly
2. Make sure the grill or smoker is on a level, stable surface
3. Be careful when removing the hot chicken from the grill
4. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer
5. Never use a can that has a plastic liner inside (some craft beers have these)

Why I Love This Method

Beer can chicken has been a staple at my BBQs for years, and guests always go crazy for it. There’s something about that upright chicken on the grill that starts conversations and makes people smile. But beyond the novelty, it genuinely produces some of the juiciest, most flavorful chicken you’ll ever taste.

The technique is simple enough for beginners but still satisfying for experienced grillers. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with different rubs, beers, and wood chips for smoking.

Final Thoughts

Beer can chicken is one of those techniques that seems a bit silly at first glance but delivers seriously impressive results. It’s become a standard in my BBQ repertoire because it’s relatively easy, looks amazing, and tastes even better.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making a special dinner, give this method a try. I promise your chicken will never be the same again! And remember, BBQ is all about having fun and creating delicious food to share with people you care about.

So fire up that grill, grab a beer (one for the chicken, one for you!), and get cooking. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you!