Beer Can Chicken

Place a half can of beer inside the whole chicken cavity and the results are a tender, fall of the bone chicken. The grilled chicken recipe 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. If you have a smoker, make Smoked Beer Can Chicken.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This whole chicken recipe, taste amazing and perfect to make to meal prep for the week. The chicken comes out juicy, full of flavor and fall of the bone tender.

Make this chicken for any occasion and serve with your favorite grilled side dish recipes.

Ingredients

• Whole Chicken 4-5 pounds – Clean our cavity of the chicken
• Olive Oil – You can also use butter
• Beer – Make sure beer is at room temperature, opened and half-full.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

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 gas grill with the burners on to 375 degrees F.  You can also make this recipe on a charcoal grill.

Step 2 – Combine Seasoning – Mix together the seasonings in a small bowl.

Step 3 – Step 3 – Dry Chicken – Tap the chicken dry by dabbing it with a paper towel. Rub chicken with olive oil and then rub on the seasoning mixture onto the outside of the chicken.

Step 4 – 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). 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 7 – 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 8 – 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 9 – Serve and Enjoy – Then the chicken is ready to slice, serve and enjoy.

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.

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 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.