Beer-can Chicken Grilling Recipe (2024)

Oh the humanity! The thousands of daggers that pierce my heart each time I encounter an individual who has yet to experience the greatness of beer-can chicken. This method of grilling a chicken vertically over a beer-can—producing a perfect juiciness—has been in the repertoire since my early days of grilling. It's because of this that I always thought of it as old hat—nothing needing to be picked over in any detail on this blog—but the revelation that some new Meatwavers had never had it has made me rethink that position. So, for the devout, this post may reveal nothing new, but for uninitiated, for heaven's sake, go grab a can of beer and chicken and get this on the grill now!

Beer-can Chicken Grilling Recipe (1)

It all start with a can of beer. Any beer will do—I haven't been able to discern any large flavor difference between beers—but it should be something you like, because the first part of this recipe calls for drinking about 1/3 of the can. Now that's a recipe that starts out right. If you're making a lot of chickens, you're likely to get a nice buzz, but just make sure it's not too much, so you can avoid injury when using a knife or bottle opener to cut a few more holes in the top of the can. Once the proper amount of holes are punctured, a tablespoon or so of rub is added to the beer.

Beer-can Chicken Grilling Recipe (2)

So the beer is all set, time for the bird. I usually like to brine my chicken before grilling, but one of the glories of the beer-can chicken is that the evaporating beer keeps the meat nice and moist during the cooking process, so I haven't had a need to add extra moisture via brining beforehand. All I do for prep is spread some rub in the cavity of the chicken, then carefully slide it over the beer-can, using the legs to find the right position for maximum sturdiness. Then with a quick brush of butter and a dusting of my favorite rub, it's all ready for the grill.

Beer-can Chicken Grilling Recipe (3)

On the grill, I use a two-zone fire where the coals are spread into two even piles on either side of the charcoal grate, with the middle kept empty. Since the dripping fat and juice from the chickens won't be hitting the coals to produce smoke with this configuration, I like to add 1 or 2 small chunks of a light smoking wood to the fire. Apple or cherry does nicely to give a sweet kiss of smoke without being overpowering.

Beer-can Chicken Grilling Recipe (4)

With the fire and birds all ready to go, comes the somewhat precarious procedure of getting chicken to grill. Two hands, one firmly gripping the chicken and the other the can, should do it. Once the birds are over the cool area and are sufficiently sturdy, the grill is covered and the birds are roasted at 350 degrees until the meat in the thickest part of breast hits 165 degrees, which takes about an hour and change.

Beer-can Chicken Grilling Recipe (5)

Now for the most daring feat of the day, getting a hot chicken with a boiling can of beer from grill to plate. I've been tripped up here a few times, spilling the beer inside the chicken, but if that happens, don't worry, more beer inside the chicken never ended up being a bad thing. Once the chicken is safely off the grill, it gets a nice 15 minute rest, then is carefully divorced from the can. At this point, inevitably the can starts being passed around in a double-dog dare to chug the contents. So far not one has taken the bait, but if you find someone who does, let me know and I'll happily reward the unfortunate party, if they're lucky enough to live to talk about it.

Beer-can Chicken Grilling Recipe (6)

There you have it. A thing of glorious beauty. What little work this recipe requires is rewarded very handsomely. Not only does it produce an object of awe for all those who witness the event, it's also one of the juiciest and most flavorful chickens you may ever have. So for those of you who have still never had a beer-can chicken, please take this post and recipe, go to your grill, and set people like yourself on a path for extinction.

Published on Tue Jun 8, 2010 by Joshua Bousel

Print Recipe

Beer-can Chicken

  • Yield 2-4 servings
  • Prep 5 Minutes
  • Inactive 15 Minutes
  • Cook 1 Hour
  • Total 1 Hour 20 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 can of beer, 12 oz or tallboy
  • 1 chicken, between 3-4 lbs
  • 4 tablespoons of your favorite dry rub
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1-2 small chunks of light smoking wood, like apple or cherry

Procedure

  1. Light a chimney 3/4 full of charcoal. While the charcoal is lighting, open the beer and drink 1/3 of the can. Using a knife or bottle opener, punch two additional holes in the top of the beer can. Put 1 tablespoon of the rub in the can.
  2. Rub the inside of the chicken cavity with 1 tablespoon of the rub. Hold the bird upright, with body cavity at the bottom, and lower it onto the can so the can fits into the cavity. Pull the legs forward to form a sort of tripod, and then tuck the wing tips behind the chicken's back. Brush the chicken all over with the melted butter, and then apply the remaining rub to the chicken liberally.
  3. When the charcoal is all lit and covered in gray ash, dump out onto the charcoal grate. Arrange half of the coals on each side of the grate and place a drip pan between the two piles of charcoal. Place the wood chunks on top of the charcoal, cover, and bring the grill to 350 degrees. Place the chicken in the middle of the cooking grate, over the drip pan, then cover and cook until an instant read thermometer reads 165 degrees in thickest part of the breast.
  4. Using tongs, carefully transfer the bird on the can to a cutting board, use caution since the beer is like molten lava. Let the bird rest for 15-20 minute, then remove the can, carve, and serve.

You Might Also Like

Smoked Chicken with Alabama White Barbecue Sauce
Smoky Pulled Barbecue Chicken
Habanero Barbecue Wings

Comments

  1. Alisa This is perhaps one of the best beer can chicken post I have ever read! I love how you described making it and if you wont mind I'd love to guide Foodista readers to this post.Just add the foodista widget to the end of this post and it's all set, Thanks!Posted Sun, Jun 20 2010 3:58PM

  2. Andrea Your chicken is beautiful!! Do you have any suggestions if I can't close the grill cover..the top of the grill touches the chickenPosted Sun, Jun 27 2010 12:34PM

  3. Josh @Andrea: Can you not close the grill at all, or is it just that when it's closed, the lid touches the chicken?

    I'm not too sure what you could do about the form, but if it's the later, you can just cook the chicken with the lid touching a little bit. I've done this before and the area touching the lid will burn and the meat will be a little overcooked in just that area, but the rest of the bird will still be perfect.Posted Sun, Jun 27 2010 8:13PM

Beer-can Chicken Grilling Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best liquid to use for beer can chicken? ›

Also, beer isn't your only option! You can use your favorite soft drink, such as cola or root beer if you prefer. You can get even more creative with an empty, clean aluminum can. Fill it halfway with chicken stock, wine, or any mix of liquid and herbs and spices.

What does beer do to cooking chicken? ›

Enhancing Chicken with Beer

Water and fat don't mix, but alcohol and fat do. The alcohol is able to penetrate deep into the meat, carrying the flavors of the brine solution with it. Beer can also break down fat, something that water cannot. You can also baste the chicken with beer.

What beer is best for beer can chicken? ›

The Top 5 Best Beers for Beer Can Chicken
  • Corona. Corona, with its light, refreshing taste and hint of citrus, is a popular choice that pairs effortlessly with the smoky and savory flavors of beer can chicken.
  • Stella Artois. ...
  • Steam Whistle Pilsner (CANADA) ...
  • Pilsner Urquell Lager (USA) ...
  • Yuengling Traditional Lager (USA)

What temperature is beer can chicken done at? ›

Position legs to best support chicken (similar to a tripod). Close lid. 4 Grill chicken 1 1/2 hours or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thigh). Remove chicken from can before serving.

What alcohol is best for cooking chicken? ›

Chicken with Dark Beer (Coq à la Bière)

Southern France is known for chicken cooked in red wine, but in northern France, chicken is often cooked in dark beer with onions to get a rich, caramelized flavor. Non-alcoholic version: Use a dark non-alcoholic beer or 1 cup of chicken broth in place of the dark beer.

Can you use soda instead of beer for beer can chicken? ›

This time around I took a cue from Steven Raichlen and tried it out with cola, Dr Pepper (my favorite cola) to be exact, which resulted in a subtly sweet and spicy bird that easily held its own against those made with beer.

Does the liquid matter in beer can chicken? ›

Did it affect the chicken? One of the reasons to do this cook is to get beer-infused chicken that is extra juicy from the liquid that is cooked off into it. Unfortunately, the data just doesn't support that.

What does beer do to grilled meat? ›

Marinating or brining your dinner in beer for one to twenty-four hours will imbue anything you plan to cook with a flavor that can't be beat. Here's how it works. The base of your marinade is beer, like Steam Whistle Pilsner, which will act as an acid to soften the connective tissues in the meat you're marinating.

How do you get beer can chicken to stand up? ›

Place the beer can inside a metal 9x13-inch baking pan. Lower the chicken leg-side down onto the beer until it is securely propped upright.

Can I use beer instead of chicken broth? ›

How to Substitute Other Cooking Liquids for Broth. Don't fret if bouillon isn't in your pantry and you need it for cooking; Wine , vermouth, and beer can also be used for as a substitute for broth in cooking.

How long do you cook chicken on the grill at 400? ›

Time, Temperature and Technique
  1. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. Time: 5 to 6 minutes per side.
  2. Temperature: Medium-high (400˚F)
  3. Best technique: Cook over direct heat until 165˚F.

What brand of beer is best to cook with? ›

Cleansing Flavors
ItemTypes of beerTry this
Pulled pork (for spicy pulled pork dishes)Honey AlePizza Port California Honey Ale
Beef burgers (high-fat content)Pale AleDuck Foot Old Bro Hazy Pale Ale
Beef burgers (lean)PilsnerFremont Golden Pilsner
Vegetarian burgers (grilled vegetables)Wheat beersMaui Pineapple Mana Wheat
9 more rows
Jul 4, 2022

How long to grill chicken on a gas grill? ›

While all grills are different, most of the time you'll be golden if you grill your chicken breasts for about 9-10 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts over at the halfway point so you get beautiful, even sear marks on each side of the chicken.

What is the best temperature to BBQ chicken? ›

For the most part, chicken should be grilled at 350º to 450º F over direct or indirect medium heat. The only exception is when you're smoking the chicken. Often used with wings or whole chickens, smoking meat involves indirect cooking over very low heat, 225º to 250º F, with the addition of smoldering wood chunks.

Can chicken be a little pink? ›

Safely cooked poultry can vary in color from white to pink to tan. All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer. For whole poultry, check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.

What other liquid can you use for beer can chicken? ›

Can You Make This Without Beer?
  • Soda: Substitute a half-full can of soda such as cola, lemon-lime, or ginger ale for the beer.
  • Alcoholic or non-alcoholic cider or juice.
  • White wine: Pour it in a beverage can or an empty vegetable can.
  • Baked beans: Take the label off the can, open the can and use it instead of beer.

Do you add liquid when canning chicken? ›

Canning Chicken

Do not add liquid. To hot pack: Boil, bake or steam meat until about two-thirds done. Pack hot meat loosely into hot jars and cover with hot broth, leaving 1 ¼ inch headspace.

What should I spritz my chicken with? ›

There are many liquids that you can use for spritzing. The most popular choices are apple cider vinegar, beer, and wine. But you can also use tomato juice, vegetable juice, or any type of broth. If you're looking to add some extra flavor, you can use a BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or teriyaki sauce.

What can I use instead of beer for marinade? ›

If you're using booze to tenderize or marinate meat, replace the alcohol with soda, sparkling juice, acidic fruit juice, or vinegar. For alcohol-free flavor substitutions, go with what's going to taste the most like the alcohol you're leaving out.

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