Beer Can Chicken Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Fire up the grill! This Beer Can Chicken comes out perfectly cooked and super tender. Seasoned with a host of spices, it's such a delicious and fun BBQ dish!

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 15

Total Time1 25

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Author: Becky Hardin

Ingredients

1 tbsp paprika smoked preferred
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary
2 tbsp olive oil
1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
1 (12-ounce) can beer* half full

Instructions

Turn on half of the burners on the grill and set to medium-high heat.
Combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs in a small dish.
1 tbsp paprika, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs
Rub the olive oil and seasoning all over the chicken.
2 tbsp olive oil
Set the chicken over the can of beer, so the chicken is sitting upright.
1 whole chicken, 1 (12-ounce) can beer*
Place the chicken onto the grill, grilling over indirect heat and ensuring the burners directly under the chicken are turned off.
Cover the grill and let the chicken cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Check the temperature of the chicken at the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should reach 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the grill, loosely cover it in tin foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Video

Notes

*I usually go with a lager, pilsner, or light ale because they add subtle flavor without overpowering the chicken. The beer’s main job is to create steam inside the cavity, so you don’t need anything fancy.

To bake: preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on the beer can and set it in a deep-walled roasting pan. Bake the chicken until the juices run clear, and the breasts register 165°F, about 65 minutes.

Nutrition