Simple Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Get ready for the ultimate Beer Can Chicken Recipe! The best part about this simple chicken recipe is that it’s easy to make. This dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners. With just a few ingredients and basic grilling skills, you’ll create a show-stopping entree that will become a family favorite.
Your table will soon boast this golden-brown chicken with crispy skin and tender, moist meat! It’s the perfect main dish for any time of the year! Enhance your meal with the vibrant flavors of this Greek Potato Salad, a perfect side dish that adds a Mediterranean twist to any main course.
Simple Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Beer can chicken is a fun way to cook a whole bird. The beer steams inside the chicken, keeping it moist. Meanwhile, the outside gets crispy and golden.
I love how this recipe lets you get creative with spices. You can use any rub you like! My kids get excited seeing the chicken “sitting” on the grill. It’s a conversation starter at barbecues and a fun way to cook chicken that keeps it unique and fun!
While the chicken cooks, you can prep sides or hang out with guests. No constant checking or basting is needed. It’s a hands-off recipe that delivers big on flavor!
What makes grilled beer can chicken moist?
The beer in the can steams as it heats up, keeping the chicken moist from the inside. This method also cooks the bird evenly, and the vertical position lets fat drip away, resulting in crispy skin.
The alcohol in the beer evaporates during cooking, leaving behind subtle flavors that enhance the chicken. You’ll love the result even if you’re not a beer fan. I love that the chicken doesn’t taste like beer at all!
Specialty Ingredients:
The following ingredients are affiliate links on Amazon because they may be a bit hard to find in your normal store. I wanted you to be able to see exactly which things we are using.
Reminder, not all ingredients in the Easy Chicken Recipe are linked above, just the ones that may be a bit difficult to find or that you might be unsure of what to look for.
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Must Have Resources:
When making Cooked Beer Can Chicken at home, you really need to have the following Amazon affiliate tools on hand.
- Grill (charcoal or gas)
- Beer can chicken holder
Make it a Meal:
Meal planning can be a headache, especially when you’re busy. But pairing foods doesn’t have to be hard! Here’s a simple meal plan to check out!
Vegetable Side: Simple Carrot Salad
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Starch Side: Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Refreshing Drink: Pineapple Mint Spritzer Mocktail Recipe
Don’t forget Dessert: Easy Dessert Cheeseball
Best Chicken Recipes:
Once you’ve mastered grilling tender and juicy chicken, you might want to try more chicken dishes. Here are some family favorites that I know you’ll love!
Try the Keto Sesame Chicken Recipe for a low-carb option!
The Slow Cooker Chicken and Cheese is perfect for busy weeknights!
For garlic lovers, the Garlic Chicken Recipe is a must-try!
The Chicken Broccoli Ring Recipe is always a hit at potlucks!
When craving comfort food, make the Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots!
Whip up some Easy and Delicious Hawaiian Chicken Sliders for a delicious tropical twist!
And don’t forget the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe for game day!
What’s the best beer to use for beer can chicken?
The type of beer you use can affect the flavor of your chicken. A light lager works well and won’t overpower the meat. But feel free to experiment! Dark beers can add richness, while fruity beers bring a subtle sweetness.
Remember, the beer is mainly there to create steam and moisten the chicken. So, don’t stress too much about choosing the perfect brew. Even non-alcoholic beer works great if you prefer to avoid alcohol altogether.
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These printables are great for meal planning and organizing! Simply click the image to check out my shop products!
More Grilled Chicken Recipes:
- Brined and Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Strips
- Grilled Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Chicken Kabobs on a George Foreman Grill
Simple Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken 4 to 5 pounds
- ½ Cup(s) of your favorite rub
- 1 12 ounce can of beer
- 2 Cup(s) of mesquite wood chips
- Oil for the grill
Instructions
- If you are using the wood chips, soak them in half of the beer for an hour and then drain.
- While you are waiting, remove the fat from the outside of the chicken. Wash well and pat dry. Sprinkle about a bit of your rub inside the chicken and use plenty to run the outside. Save a little bit of rub to go in the beer.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Place a drip pan below the cooking area and heat the grill to medium. Add the wood chips to the smoker box if using a gas grill.
- For charcoal, add half the chips atop the hot coals. After an hour of cooking, add 10 new pieces of charcoal and the remaining chips. Oil the grill to prevent sticking.
- Using a bottle opener, make 6 holes in the top of the beer can. Spoon the balance of your rub into the beer. Hold the chicken upright and insert the beer can into the body cavity.
- Stand the chicken on the grill over the drip pan. You can use the legs to help balance the can.
- Cover the grill and cook chicken for 1 and ½ hours.
- Check to see if it’s tender enough to fall off the bone. If not, cover and cook for another 30 minutes.
Nutrition
What side dishes will you pair with this grilled chicken?
