Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
A chicken is sitting on top of a baking pan.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Beer Can Chicken

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.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Let Rest15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Beer Can Chicken
Servings: 8
Calories: 268kcal
Author: Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 1 Whole Chicken 4-5 pounds, gizzards removed
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme Leaves
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 can Beer room temperature, opened and half-full

Instructions

  • 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.
  • Mix together the seasonings in a small bowl.
  • Tap the chicken dry by dabbing it with a paper towel.
  • Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil and then rub on the seasoning mixture onto the outside of the chicken.
  • Low the chicken onto the half-filled can of beer.  The chicken should be sitting upright with the beer can in the chicken cavity.  
  • 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. 
  • 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.  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.  
  • 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.  
  • Then the chicken is ready to slice, serve and enjoy! 

Notes

Any beer works great for this recipe.  Don’t use an expensive one. 
Make sure to dry the skin of the chicken well so that the skin on the chicken is crispy when it’s grilled.     
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days.   

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 367mg | Potassium: 217mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 192IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
QR Code linking back to recipe