Ultimate Flavor-Infused Beer Can Chicken
This Ultimate Flavor-Infused Beer Can Chicken elevates the classic grilling method into a phenomenal feast, perfect for gatherings or family dinners. By using a whole chicken marinated in your favorite dry rub and beer, this recipe allows the bird to retain juiciness while achieving that crispy, golden skin we all crave. The steam from the beer not only helps cook the chicken evenly but also infuses it with incredible flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal!
4
Servings
550
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken
4 lb (cleaned, neck and giblets removed)
beer (tall boy)
16 ounces (any lager or ale, opened)
salt
2 tablespoons
black pepper
1 teaspoon
dry rub seasonings
3 tablespoons (your favorite blend)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Prepare your grill for indirect heat. For a charcoal grill, arrange the coals evenly around the outer edges, leaving the center empty. For gas grills, light the burners on either side, but keep the middle one off.
2
Preheat the grill to a consistent temperature of about 375°F to 400°F.
3
Remove the neck and giblets from the chicken cavity and discard them.
4
Thoroughly rinse the chicken inside and out under cold water. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up during cooking.
5
In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, and your choice of dry rub seasonings. Rub the vegetable oil over the entire surface of the chicken.
6
Generously sprinkle the salt mixture inside the cavity and all over the chicken, ensuring every part is coated for maximum flavor. Set the seasoned bird aside.
7
Open the beer can and take several large sips, making sure to reduce the volume of beer in the can by half, which will prevent spillage during cooking.
8
Place the beer can upright on a solid surface. Grab the chicken by its legs and carefully lower the cavity over the beer can until it fits snugly.
9
Transfer the chicken, which will now be balanced on the beer can, to the center of the grill grate, ensuring it stands upright with good stability.
10
Close the grill lid and cook the chicken for approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thigh or until the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
11
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill by lifting it off the beer can. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute within the meat.
Nutrition Information
37.5g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
45g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beer Can Chicken?
Beer can chicken is a grilling method where a whole chicken is perched over an open can of beer. The beer steams the inside of the bird to keep it juicy while the exterior grills to a crispy finish.
What size chicken should I use for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for a 4 lb whole chicken.
What is the ideal grill temperature for beer can chicken?
You should preheat your grill to a consistent temperature between 375°F and 400°F.
How long does it take to cook a beer can chicken?
The cooking time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the size of the bird and grill consistency.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is done when a meat thermometer registers 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thigh.
What type of beer is best for this recipe?
Any lager or ale works well for this recipe; a 16-ounce 'tall boy' can is recommended.
Why do I need to drink or pour out half the beer?
Reducing the volume of the beer by half prevents it from bubbling over and spilling during the cooking process.
How do I set up a charcoal grill for indirect heat?
Arrange the hot coals evenly around the outer edges of the grill, leaving the center area empty for the chicken.
How do I set up a gas grill for indirect heat?
Light the burners on either side of the grill but keep the middle burner turned off.
Should I rinse the chicken before cooking?
The recipe suggests thoroughly rinsing the chicken inside and out under cold water and then patting it dry.
Why is it important to pat the chicken dry?
Patting the chicken dry with paper towels is essential to ensure the skin becomes crispy during the grilling process.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a mixture of 2 tablespoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 3 tablespoons of your favorite dry rub blend.
How do I apply the seasonings?
First, rub vegetable oil over the chicken, then generously sprinkle the salt and rub mixture inside the cavity and over the entire surface.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories, 37.5g of fat, 2.5g of carbohydrates, and 45g of protein.
Do I need to remove the giblets?
Yes, ensure you remove the neck and giblets from the cavity and discard them before prepping the bird.
How do I balance the chicken on the beer can?
Grab the chicken by its legs and carefully lower the cavity over the upright beer can until it fits snugly and stands stable.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
The grill lid must remain closed during the cooking process to maintain the heat and allow the chicken to cook evenly.
How long should the chicken rest after grilling?
Allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute.
What if I do not have a tall boy beer can?
You can use a standard 12-ounce beer can, though a tall boy provides a bit more stability and steam volume.
Can I use a non-alcoholic beverage?
Yes, you can substitute the beer with a can of soda or even water with herbs, as long as the can is half full.
What is the purpose of the vegetable oil?
The oil acts as a binder for the seasonings and helps the skin achieve a golden, crispy texture.
How do I know the chicken is done without a thermometer?
While a thermometer is most accurate, you can check if the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a knife.
Can I cook this in the oven instead?
Yes, you can use the same method in an oven preheated to 375°F, using a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Is beer can chicken gluten-free?
It depends on the beer and dry rub used. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free beer or hard cider and check your spice labels.
Should I season the inside of the chicken?
Yes, generously sprinkle the salt and dry rub mixture inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
How do I safely remove the chicken from the grill?
Carefully lift the chicken off the beer can using tongs and a meat fork, being mindful that the liquid inside the can will be extremely hot.
Does the beer make the chicken taste like alcohol?
No, the alcohol evaporates. It leaves behind a subtle malty flavor and helps keep the meat incredibly moist.
What are some good side dishes for this meal?
Popular sides include corn on the cob, coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or potato salad.
Can I use a different oil than vegetable oil?
Yes, any high-smoke point oil like canola oil or avocado oil will work well for this recipe.