What type of beer works best for beer can chicken?

Choose a beer that you enjoy drinking while cooking. Common choices include light lagers such as Miller, Budweiser, or Stella Artois because their flavors complement the chicken without overpowering it. For those avoiding gluten, a gluten-free beer will work well, and non-alcoholic beers or even sodas like cola can be used as alternatives to add moisture and flavor during cooking.

How do I prepare and cook beer can chicken properly?

Start by opening a beer can and removing about half the beer. Season the chicken inside and out with a dry rub made from kosher salt, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Place the chicken upright on the half-full beer can, so the can is inside the cavity. Cook it on a preheated grill or oven with indirect heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest thigh, typically about 15-20 minutes per pound.

What internal temperature should I cook beer can chicken to for safe eating?

The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding bone. When the temperature reaches 165°F, the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, ensuring juicy, tender meat without dryness.

What are good side dishes to serve with beer can chicken?

Classic pairings include grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. These sides complement the smoky and savory flavors of beer can chicken and contribute to a balanced, satisfying barbecue meal perfect for summer gatherings.

Can I make beer can chicken without a grill?

Yes, beer can chicken can be cooked in the oven. Place the chicken with the beer can inside on a roasting pan or baking sheet and roast at 350°F. Cooking times are similar to grilling—about 15-20 minutes per pound—until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Using an oven ensures even cooking and can be a convenient alternative when outdoor grilling isn't possible.

Easy Beer Can Chicken Recipe for Juicy Results

Name: beer can chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons kosher salt for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors and helping crisp the skin; – 1 tablespoon brown sugar for adding a touch of sweetness for caramelization; – 1 tablespoon paprika for bringing a smoky, vibrant color and depth; – 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper for providing a sharp, peppery kick; – 1 tablespoon garlic powder for infusing a robust, garlicky aroma; – 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds) for absorbing all the seasonings and beer steam; – 1 can of lager beer (12 ounces) for creating steam inside the chicken for moisture and subtle flavor

Description

🍺 Savor the moist and flavorful chicken that grilling with beer provides for your next barbecue.
🍗 Experience easy cooking that locks in juices, making it a go-to for family gatherings.

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons kosher salt for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors and helping crisp the skin

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar for adding a touch of sweetness for caramelization

– 1 tablespoon paprika for bringing a smoky, vibrant color and depth

– 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper for providing a sharp, peppery kick

– 1 tablespoon garlic powder for infusing a robust, garlicky aroma

– 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds) for absorbing all the seasonings and beer steam

– 1 can of lager beer (12 ounces) for creating steam inside the chicken for moisture and subtle flavor

Instructions

1-First Step: Prep the Spice Blend and ChickenKick off by preheating your grill to medium heat (350-375°F) or the oven to 375°F whichever you’re using for your beer can chicken. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 tablespoon garlic powder to make your spice mix. Now, rub this blend all over the inside and outside of your 4-5 pounds whole chicken, getting it into every nook for max flavor if you’re going vegan, swap in a seasoned cauliflower here to keep things simple and tasty.

2-Second Step: Handle the Beer and Set Up the ChickenOpen the 12 ounces can of lager beer and pour out or sip half of it to leave some space hey, who’s complaining about a quick taste? Slide the can into the chicken’s cavity until about 2 inches stick out, positioning the bird upright so it balances well. For low-calorie tweaks, use a non-alcoholic beer to cut those extra calories while still getting that steamy goodness in your beer can chicken.

3-Third Step: Get Cooking on the Grill or OvenPlace your beer can chicken upright on the grill away from direct heat, or pop it into a cast iron skillet in the oven for even cooking. Let it roast for about 90 minutes on the grill, or go for 15 minutes per pound in the oven until the thigh hits 165°F internally keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. If adapting for gluten-free needs, double-check your beer choice, but this step works smoothly with the right swaps for your beer can chicken.

4-Fourth Step: Crisp and Finish CookingOnce the chicken is nearly done, if you’re oven-cooking, switch to broil for 5-8 minutes to crisp up that skin it’s like a golden crunch party! For grilling, just rotate it if needed for even browning, which takes about the same time. This is a great spot to add flavor variations, like brushing on extra spices for low-calorie versions, ensuring your beer can chicken stays versatile and delicious for everyone.

5-Final Step: Rest and Serve Up the FunPull your beer can chicken off the heat and transfer it to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes this lets the juices settle for the juiciest bites. Carve it up and serve with sides like grilled veggies or a fresh salad, adjusting portions for dietary preferences to make it just right. Isn’t it great how this beer can chicken comes out so flavorful and adaptable? Gather around, slice it nice, and enjoy that wow factor! (Word count: 652)

Notes

🍺 Use a lager beer for the best taste, or try non-alcoholic options if needed.
🔥 Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
🍗 Use a holder to keep the chicken stable on the grill for even cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per serving
Calories: 455 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 2122 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 62 g
Cholesterol: 240 mg

Keywords: Beer Can Chicken, Grilled Chicken, Juicy Flavor, Easy Grilling