If you love grilling and want to impress your friends with a juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken, beer can chicken is your go-to recipe. This fun and easy method involves cooking a whole chicken upright on a beer can, which steams the meat from the inside while roasting the outside to crispy perfection. Ready to learn how to make beer can chicken on the grill? Let’s dive in!
What Is Beer Can Chicken?
Beer can chicken, sometimes called “beer butt chicken,” is a popular grilling technique where a whole chicken is cooked sitting on an open can of beer. The beer inside the can steams as the chicken grills, keeping the meat moist and infusing it with subtle flavors. The upright position also allows the skin to get crispy all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds), giblets removed
– 1 can of beer (12 ounces) – any lager or pilsner works well
– Olive oil or canola oil
– Your favorite dry rub or seasoning blend (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, sugar, dried basil are great options)
– Optional: lemon slices or smashed garlic cloves to add inside the chicken cavity for extra aroma
Equipment
– A grill with a lid (charcoal or gas)
– Meat thermometer
– Tongs or heat-resistant gloves
– A drip pan (optional but recommended for cleaner grilling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F). Remove any giblets or organs from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key to getting it crispy.
Next, rub the chicken inside and out with olive or canola oil. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
Mix your dry rub ingredients in a small bowl. A balanced blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar works beautifully. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
If you like, place a couple of lemon slices or smashed garlic cloves inside the chicken cavity to add a fresh aroma during cooking.
2. Prepare the Beer Can
Open the beer can and pour out (or drink!) about half to two-thirds of it, leaving some beer inside the can. You can also add a few smashed garlic cloves or herbs into the beer for extra flavor.
Carefully place the chicken cavity over the beer can so the can fits snugly inside. The chicken should stand upright, with its legs forming a stable tripod.
3. Grill the Beer Can Chicken
Place a drip pan on the grill to catch drippings and set the chicken upright on the grill rack, balancing it on the beer can.
Close the grill lid and cook the chicken over indirect heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh (use a meat thermometer to check).
To ensure even cooking, you can rotate the chicken occasionally. Avoid opening the grill too often to keep the heat steady.
4. Rest and Serve
Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even juicier.
Remove the chicken from the beer can by gently pulling it off. Carve and serve your perfectly grilled beer can chicken with your favorite sides.
Tips for the Best Beer Can Chicken
– Use a fresh whole chicken around 3 to 4 pounds for even cooking.
– Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning.
– Don’t discard the beer you pour out — enjoy it while grilling!
– Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
– For extra flavor, brine the chicken overnight before grilling.
– Try different beers or add herbs and spices to the beer can for unique flavors.
– Keep the grill temperature steady around 350°F for best results.
Why Beer Can Chicken Works So Well
The magic of beer can chicken lies in the steam from the beer inside the can. As the beer heats up, it releases moisture and aroma that gently cooks the chicken from the inside out. This prevents the meat from drying out while the grill’s direct heat crisps the skin beautifully. Plus, cooking the chicken upright allows the fat to drain away, resulting in a healthier, tastier bird.
Variations to Try
– Swap beer for other liquids like soda, apple cider, or broth for different flavor profiles.
– Add barbecue sauce or glaze during the last 15 minutes of grilling for a sticky, sweet finish.
– Experiment with spice rubs: try Cajun, Mediterranean, or smoky blends to suit your taste.
Beer can chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a moist, flavorful grilled chicken that will be the star of your next cookout.
Enjoy your grilling adventure and the delicious results!
Juicy, tender, and full of flavor—beer can chicken is a grilling classic that’s sure to impress every time.