Beer Can Chicken Recipe

This Beer Can Chicken is cook tender, juicy and full of flavor. A whole chicken is cooked on a can of beer with a simple seasoning dry rub.

Best Beer Can Chicken Recipe:

You are going to love this beer can chicken recipe. Cooking a whole chicken is easy when cooked on the grill. Season the whole chicken by rubbing an easy dry rub to give the chicken flavor.

Place a half can of beer inside the whole chicken cavity and the results are a tender, fall of the bone chicken. The chicken is moist on the inside and crispy on the outside. You are going to be amazed how delicious this chicken is.

Impress your guest with this chicken recipe. It is perfect for BBQ’s or a weekend dinner. Add your favorite sides to complete this chicken dinner recipe.

Ingredients: 

• Whole Chicken 4-5 pounds, gizzards removed
• Olive Oil
• Paprika
• Dried Thyme Leaves
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Beer (room temperature, opened and half-full)

How to Make Beer Can Chicken on the Grill: 

• Step 1 – Prepare Grill – Preheat a grill over medium high, indirect heat by only turning on half the burners.  Bring the side of the grill with the burners on to 375 degrees F.  
• Step 2 – Combine Seasoning – Mix together the seasonings in a small bowl.
• Step 3 – Dry Chicken – Tap the chicken dry by dabbing it with a paper towel.
• Step 4 – Place the dry rub on the chicken – Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil and then rub on the seasoning mixture onto the outside of the chicken.

• Step 5 – Place chicken on beer – Low the chicken onto the half-filled can of beer.  The chicken should be sitting upright with the beer can in the chicken cavity.  
• Step 6 – Place chicken on grill – Place the chicken on the grill over the indirect heat (the side of the grill that is off).  Use the can and legs of the chicken as a tripod to support the chicken on the grill. 
• Step 7 – Grill Chicken – Cover the grill and cook for 1 hour.  Then check the chicken every 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Step 8 – Meat Thermometer – Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure that it’s cooked to a safe temperature. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken.  

• Step 9 – Remove Chicken – Remove the chicken and beer can from the grill.  Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes.  Carefully remove the beer can from the chicken.  
• Step 10 – Serve and Enjoy – Then the chicken is ready to slice, serve and enjoy.

How Long to Grill Beer Can Chicken:

Grilling whole chicken takes a little longer then grilling chicken breast. Once you have prepared the grill and chicken, place the chicken on the beer can.

Add the whole chicken with the beer can to the grill on the indirect heat. The chicken takes about an hour to cook. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is done. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

How to Make Beer Can Chicken in the Oven:

Cooking the beer can chicken in the oven is just as easy in the oven.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Prepare chicken and season with the dry rub as indicated in the recipe.
• Place the chicken in large roasting pan so that it is able to hold chicken and juices.
• Cook chicken for about 15 minutes per each pound of the chicken.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked. The internal temperature for the chicken should be 165 degrees.

What is the Best Liquid to Use for Beer Can Chicken?

If you prefer to use another liquid, you can use a soft drink instead of beer. We still recommend for the soda to be half full when placing the chicken on it.

At What Temperature is Beer Can Chicken done?

Your beer can chicken is done when the meat thermometer reads 165 degrees.

Recipe Tips:

• Dry Skin – Make sure to dry the skin of the chicken well so that the skin on the chicken is crispy when it’s grilled.     
• Type of Beer – Any beer works great for this recipe.  The beer does not have to be an expensive one.
• Chicken Upright – When cooking the chicken on the grill, make sure it is upright.

What to Serve with Beer Can Chicken:

• Grilled Mushrooms – Make this easy side dish to serve with this beer can chicken.
• Brussel Sprouts – These brussel sprouts are full of flavor and easy to make.
• Grilled Potatoes in Foil –Slice up some potatoes for an amazing side with this whole chicken. We love grilling sides with our meats for an easy clean up.
• Roasted Vegetables – If you prefer you can easily roast some broccoli or asparagus for an easy side.

How to Store Leftovers:

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This chicken is delicious leftover. We like to store in individual containers and add a side for a quick lunch this next day.

Print Recipe here for Beer Can Chicken:

More Grilled Chicken Recipes:

• Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe
• Grilled Sticky Chicken Thighs Recipe
• Lemon Chicken Grilled Recipe