Smoked Beer Can Chicken is loaded with flavor and easy to make. This is the perfect summertime recipe and an impressive chicken recipe.
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This smoker recipe turns your whole chicken into an impressive recipe. The chicken cooks tender, juicy and amazing smoky flavor. Adding the dry seasoning rub takes your chicken to whole new level.
We have even make Grilled Beer Can Chicken Recipe for another delicious meal idea.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
We have started to using our smoker more for our summertime family gatherings. The smoky flavor and simple ingredients makes this whole chicken a crowd favorite.
The whole skin texture cooks crispy while the inside stays moist and flavorful. You will love the way this chicken taste and even better served with your favorite side dish recipes.
Ingredients
- Whole Chicken (4 to 5 pounds), gizzards removed
- Olive Oil
- Smoked Paprika
- Dried Rosemary
- Garlic Salt
- Onion Powder
- Black Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)
- Beer (room temperature, opened and half-full)
- Lemon, sliced
- Fresh sprigs of thyme and rosemary
Scroll to the bottom to see the full recipe in the recipe card.
Variation Ideas
- Spice Rub – Feel free to use different types of spices to what you prefer. You can easily use garlic powder instead of garlic salt or add in chili powder. Fresh herbs are always a great option. Add brown sugar to the dry rub for a hint of sweetness.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the smoker to 225 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, dried rosemary, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne.
Step 2 – Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Rub the chicken with olive oil, making sure to coat evenly.
Step 3 – Apply the mixed spices liberally onto the chicken, both on the skin and inside the cavity. Place the lemon slices and fresh sprigs of thyme and rosemary inside the chicken cavity.
Step 4 – Set the chicken onto the half-filled can of beer, so that the chicken is sitting upright with the beer can inserted into its cavity.
- Step 5 – Place the chicken in the smoker, using the can and chicken legs to balance it as a tripod.
- Step 6 – Smoke the chicken for about 2-3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, measured at the thickest part.
- Step 7 – Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the smoker and allow it to rest for 15 minutes to 30 minutes before removing the beer can and slicing. Place whole chicken on cutting board to begin slicing to serve.
Recipe Tips
- Smoking Chicken – Cooking time may vary based on your smoker’s efficiency and the size of the chicken. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F. We recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure chicken cooked through.
- Removing Chicken – Exercise caution when removing the chicken from the smoker; the beer can will be hot.
- Rest Chicken – Remember to let the chicken rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Smoker Options – Feel free to make this Beer Chicken in a pellet grill or a charcoal grill directly on the grill grates.
- Placing Chicken on Beer – Slide the cavity of the chicken directly on the beer can. You want to make the sure the chicken upright and place directly in the smoker.
How Long to Smoke Beer Can Chicken
Smoking chicken usually takes about 2 hours. We recommend preheating the smoker to 275 degrees before placing the chicken in the smoker.
Cooking time will vary but always use a instant read thermometer to make sure chicken is cooked through. Make sure chicken reaches 165 degrees which
Serving Suggestions
Smoked chicken can be served with many different side dish recipes. We like making recipes that I can easily smoke or place on the grill so I do not have to dirty up the kitchen.
Make Smoked Mac and Cheese for a delicious side option. You can also make Smoked Mashed Potatoes or Smoked Green Beans for a complete meal idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to choose any type of beer to make this smoked chicken recipe. Feel free to chose lagers, light beers or a citrus flavored beer.
You can use any type of wood chips to make this recipe. Use hickory, oak, or cherry. You can also use a combination of wood chips to change the flavor.
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days.
More Easy Smoked Recipes
We love hearing from you. If you make this Beer Can Chicken on Smoker Recipe, please leave us a comment or star review.
Smoked Beer Can Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken 4 to 5 pounds, gizzards removed
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1 can Beer room temperature, opened and half-full
- 1/2 Lemon sliced
- Fresh sprigs of thyme and rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, dried rosemary, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, making sure to coat evenly.
- Apply the mixed spices liberally onto the chicken, both on the skin and inside the cavity.
- Place the lemon slices and fresh sprigs of thyme and rosemary inside the chicken cavity.
- Lower the chicken onto the half-filled can of beer, so that the chicken is sitting upright with the beer can inserted into its cavity.
- Place the chicken in the smoker, using the can and chicken legs to balance it as a tripod.
- Smoke the chicken for about 2-3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, measured at the thickest part.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the smoker and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before removing the beer can and slicing.
