If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful way to elevate your weekend barbecue, this Beer Can Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine juicy, tender chicken infused with herbs and spices, cooked upright on a half-full beer can that keeps the meat moist and perfectly cooked from the inside out. This method is as entertaining as it is delicious, turning an ordinary whole chicken into a mouthwatering centerpiece that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Beer Can Chicken Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and herbaceous flavors that breathe life into the chicken’s crispy skin and succulent meat.
- Paprika (1 tablespoon, smoked preferred): Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful reddish color to the chicken’s crust.
- Onion powder (2 teaspoons): Delivers a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the seasoning mix.
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Brings savory richness that pairs wonderfully with the herbs.
- Kosher salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for seasoning, it helps to enhance all the other flavors and crisp the skin.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Offers a spicy kick and complexity to the rub.
- Fresh herbs (¼ cup, chopped thyme and rosemary): Infuse the chicken with aromatic, garden-fresh notes.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasoning adhere and promotes a golden, crispy skin.
- Whole chicken (about 4 pounds): The star of the show, providing tender, juicy meat.
- Can of beer (12-ounce, half full): The secret weapon that steams the chicken from within, ensuring moist and flavorful results.
How to Make Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill
Start by turning on half of the burners on your grill, setting them to medium-high heat. Creating this two-zone fire will allow you to cook the chicken using indirect heat, which is crucial for getting that tender inside and crispy outside.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small dish, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. This flavorful rub will give your chicken that unmistakable, mouthwatering taste bursting with smoky and herbal notes.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Rub the olive oil all over the whole chicken. Then take your seasoning mix and coat the chicken evenly, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. This coating not only adds a beautiful color but also creates a tasty crust once the chicken cooks.
Step 4: Set the Chicken on the Beer Can
Open the can of beer and pour out half the liquid (or enjoy a sip). Place the chicken upright on the can, so the can fits snugly into the cavity. This setup allows the beer to steam the chicken from the inside while it grills, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 5: Place the Chicken on the Grill
Position the chicken standing upright on the cooler side of the grill, making sure the burners directly underneath are turned off. This indirect heat will ensure even cooking without burning the chicken’s skin.
Step 6: Cover and Cook
Close the grill lid and let the chicken cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This slow, steady heat lets the chicken cook thoroughly, soaking up the beer’s subtle essence while developing a crispy exterior.
Step 7: Check Internal Temperature
After cooking, check the temperature at the thickest part of the thigh using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F to guarantee the chicken is safely cooked and juicy.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill, carefully taking it off the beer can. Loosely cover it with tin foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up the presentation by sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the carved chicken. A wedge of lemon or lime on the side adds a pop of color and a zesty twist that pairs perfectly with the smoky, herb-infused flavors.
Side Dishes
Classic barbecue sides are the perfect match for this Beer Can Chicken Recipe. Think grilled corn on the cob, a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, or creamy potato salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes also complement the hearty, savory profile beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken carved into bite-sized pieces on a wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and grilled lemon halves. You can also create sliders using the juicy chicken meat with coleslaw and barbecue sauce for an easy-to-enjoy party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover chicken tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, the chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. This makes for convenient, delicious meals or sandwiches during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the goodness longer, freeze leftover chicken pieces in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen chicken will maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating
When reheating, the key is to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Warm it gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave with a damp paper towel over the chicken to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beer for the Beer Can Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Using different beers, from light lagers to rich stouts, can subtly change the flavor profile of your chicken. Choose one that you enjoy drinking, as its essence will infuse the meat.
Is it necessary to use a beer can or can I use something else?
The beer can is traditional, but you can also use other cans or specially made vertical poultry roasters as long as they fit safely inside the chicken to hold it upright and create steam during cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. Once it reaches 165°F, your chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.
Can I make Beer Can Chicken indoors?
While the technique is designed for a grill, you can replicate it in an oven using a vertical roaster and placing the chicken upright on a half-full beer can or a similar steaming device. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I don’t drink beer or want a non-alcoholic option?
You can use non-alcoholic beer or even soda like ginger ale or sparkling apple cider. These liquids will still steam the chicken and contribute moisture, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Beer Can Chicken Recipe truly combines fun, flavor, and simplicity all in one unforgettable meal. It’s a method that transforms a humble whole chicken into a show-stopping dish packed with juicy tenderness and bold seasonings. I can’t wait for you to try it out and impress your guests with this easy yet impressive recipe that turns any gathering into a festive celebration.
Print
Beer Can Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Beer Can Chicken recipe features a whole chicken seasoned with a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, fresh herbs, and olive oil, cooked upright on a beer can over indirect heat on the grill. The beer steams the interior while the grill crisps the skin, resulting in juicy, tender, and aromatic chicken perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
Spices and Herbs
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked preferred)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme and rosemary)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 1 (12-ounce) can beer (half full)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Turn on half of the burners on the grill and set to medium-high heat, establishing indirect heat for cooking the chicken upright.
- Mix the seasoning: Combine the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh herbs in a small dish to create a fragrant dry rub.
- Prepare the chicken: Rub the olive oil evenly all over the chicken, then coat it thoroughly with the seasoning mixture, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Set the chicken on the beer can: Open the beer can and fill it halfway with beer. Carefully set the chicken upright over the beer can so that it sits securely, with the can inside the cavity.
- Place chicken on grill: Position the chicken on the grill grate over the side with the burners turned off, using indirect heat to avoid flare-ups and promote even cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Cover the grill and cook the chicken for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing the beer to steam the bird from the inside as the grill roasts it.
- Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh; the chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill, loosely cover it with tin foil, and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before carving and serving.
Notes
- Using a beer can not only adds moisture but imparts a subtle beer aroma to the chicken.
- Ensure the chicken is stable on the beer can to prevent tipping during grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can also be adapted to roast in the oven upright with a similar method.
- Check the internal temperature regularly near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover beer can be discarded or used in marinades or sauces separately.
