Beer Can Chicken
Beer Can Chicken is sure to be a hit at your next backyard gathering. This mouthwatering recipe combines three things we all love: juicy, flavorful chicken, a rub to add flavor and enhance the taste of the final dish. and, you guessed it, beer! So, grab a cold one and let’s get grilling!
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Beer can chicken is all about simplicity and flavor infusion. The secret lies in the combination of a whole chicken, a can of your favorite brew, and a good combination of spices for a rub. The beer keeps the chicken moist, while the rub creates a delicious crust. The rub on this chicken is so flavorful-try it on pork!
Do I Need Special Equipment?
You don’t necessarily need a stand to make beer can chicken, it can be helpful for stability and even cooking. A stand provides a convenient way to hold the chicken upright with the beer can inserted into the cavity. It helps ensure that the chicken remains balanced and doesn’t topple over during the cooking process.
Using a stand also allows for better heat circulation around the chicken, resulting in more even cooking. It allows the heat to reach the inside of the chicken while the outside gets crispy and golden brown.
If you don’t have a dedicated beer can chicken stand, you can improvise by using other items like a sturdy metal or oven-safe bowl to prop up the chicken. Just make sure it’s stable and can support the weight of the chicken. You can also use a soda, wine or apple juice if you prefer to not use beer. Just put preferred liquid in an empty can. You can easily make this in the oven too! Follow same directions and bake for 1 – 1 1/2 hours or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here are some good choices for beer can chicken stands:
Grilling A Beer Can Chicken
You’ll need a plump, fresh chicken, a can of your favorite beer (crack it open and take a sip, you deserve it), and a spices to make a flavorful rub. We’re talking paprika, sugars, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, dry mustard, cayenne pepper salt, and pepper.
Give your chicken a good rubdown with this flavorful concoction, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated with the aromatic goodness. Place in fridge uncovered for 2 hours or so. Preheat your grill to medium heat, because we want a nice balance of crispy skin and tender meat.
Place the beer can into the cavity of the chicken, so it stands upright like a proud little beer throne. The can will keep the chicken moist from the inside out and infuse it with that hoppy deliciousness. Place the chicken, beer can and all, on the grill and close the lid. Let it work its magic for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Ingredients Needed:
3–4-pound whole chicken
1 can of beer
paprika
brown sugar
white sugar
salt
celery seed
pepper
dry mustard
garlic powder
onion powder
cayenne pepper
Side dishes:
Apparel for the foodies & grillers
Beer Can Chicken
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound whole chicken
- 1 can beer
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp white sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp celery seed
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper or more to suit your taste!
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl mix all the ingredients together for the spice rub. Rub entire chicken inside and out with the rub. Place in refrigerator uncovered for at least 2 hours. Preheat your grill to 350℉ if you have a thermostat on your grill. If not, set to medium. Remove chicken from refrigerator and open a can of beer. Drink about 1/2 of beer or dispose of so the can is only 1/2 full. I use a can punch or can opener to remove top of can. Lower the chicken onto the can so the chicken is upright. The can will be in the chicken cavity.Place chicken on a foil lined baking tray, (if you are not using a beer can chicken stand.) Place chicken on preheated grill and close the lid. Do not open grill for 1 hour. After an hour check the chicken temperature, and continue checking every 15 minutes until chicken reaches 165℉ .Remove chicken from grill and let rest for about 10 minutes before carefully lifting chicken off beer can and onto serving tray. Be careful the beer can is now probably full of chicken juices. Enjoy!