What is better than enjoying your favorite drink inside your favorite dish? Beer Can Grilled Chicken is a fun and flavorful way to cook a whole chicken on the grill. The chicken sits upright on a partially filled can of beer. You decide the flavor… The beer steams the chicken inside, keeping the meat juicy and tender while the outside becomes crispy and golden brown. This method infuses the chicken with a subtle beer flavor that will certainly excite beer lovers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes

Number of Servings and Serving Size

• Servings: 4-6
• Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of a whole chicken

List of Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 can of beer (12 oz, any kind you prefer)
• 1 lemon, halved (optional, for additional flavor)
• Fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme (optional, for inside the beer can)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity, if present. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, both inside and out.
2. Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken all over with olive oil. Generously apply the spice rub, ensuring the chicken is well coated on all sides, including under the skin where possible.
4. Prepare the Beer Can: Open the can of beer and pour out (or drink) about 1/4 of it. Optionally, add the lemon halves or fresh herbs to the beer for additional flavor.
5. Mount the Chicken: Carefully lower the chicken cavity onto the beer can so that the chicken is sitting upright with the can inserted into the cavity. The legs should act as a tripod to keep the chicken steady.
6. Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals around the perimeter, leaving the center empty for indirect cooking. Place the chicken on the grill, standing upright, and cook for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
7. Serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the grill (it will be hot, so use tongs and an oven mitt). Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of liquid instead of beer? Yes, you can use any carbonated beverage like soda or even chicken broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
• What if I don’t have a grill? You can bake the beer can chicken in the oven at 375°F for the same amount of time.
• How do I safely remove the chicken from the beer can? Use tongs and a sturdy spatula to carefully lift the chicken off the can. Be cautious as the liquid inside the can will be hot.

Historic, Cultural, or Other Significance

Beer can chicken originated in the Southern United States and has become a popular grilling method across the country. The idea of cooking chicken upright on a can has spread to various grilling cultures around the world, often adapted with local spices and beverages.

More Tips

• For extra crispy skin, leave the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours before grilling to dry out the skin.
• You can add wood chips to the grill for a smoky flavor.

What Goes Well with the Beer-Can Chicken Dish?

• Beverage: Serve with the same type of beer used in the recipe or a light lager.
• Side Dish: Pair with coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled corn on the cob.

Download the printable recipe below