What’s in This Beer Can Chicken Recipe?
You just need some oil, a can of beer, and our favorite beer can chicken seasoning for this recipe.
Seasoning: We made this tasty beer can chicken seasoning with paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, dried thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Chicken: We used a 4-pound whole chicken for this recipe, but anywhere from 3.5-5 pounds will work. Oil: We like olive oil, but avocado also works. Beer: Keeps the chicken super moist. We used an IPA but use whatever beer you have on hand. There’s no need to use a fancy beer because it’s only steaming the meat, not marinating it.
Variations on Beer Can Chicken on The Grill
The purpose of the beer can is to steam and cook the chicken from the inside, which helps keep it nice and juicy. But a 12-ounce can of soda or juice works just fine instead. A vegetable or bean can will also work. Remove the label before cooking, and bring the chicken juice-soaked veggies or beans to a boil on the stovetop at the end to make a tasty side.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover beer can chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove the meat from the bones and let cool fully before storing.
How to Freeze
Freeze leftover beer can chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Remove the meat from the bones and let cool fully before storing.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
We don’t recommend using a chicken larger than 5 pounds because the beer can may not be able to adequately support a bigger bird. We also think that this recipe makes the perfect amount of beer can chicken seasoning for a bird from 3.5-5 pounds!
How to Make Beer Can Chicken Step by Step
Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Make the Beer Can Chicken Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ground paprika, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, and ½-1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season the Chicken: Pat a 4-pound whole chicken chicken dry with paper towels, then rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the whole chicken and under the skin. Sprinkle the seasoning over the whole thing. Grill the Chicken: Pour out half of a 12-ounce beer, then lower the chicken over the top of the half-full beer can. Place the chicken in the center of the hot grill and close the lid. Cook the chicken for 1 hour, undisturbed, then check the temperature every 15 minutes after until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F. Carefully transfer the chicken and can to a baking tray, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
More Grilled Chicken Recipes We Love
California Grilled Chicken Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Grilled Chicken Sandwiches BBQ Chicken Foil Packets Chicken Spiedini Chimichurri Chicken See all of our Grilled Chicken Recipes!
title: “Beer Can Chicken Recipe” ShowToc: true date: “2024-11-27” author: “Vanessa Williams”
Chicken on a Can of Beer
This chicken on a can of beer is our new go to way of grilling chicken! It makes for such an easy dinner option, perfect for summer parties and family BBQ’s. Kids and adult are going to adore this flavor packed chicken! Looking for more BBQ recipes? Why not also try my St. Louis Grilled Ribs Recipe and my Mexican Corn on the Cob. If you’re looking for a healthy BBQ main, then look no further than this flavor packed beer can chicken!
How to Make Beer Can Chicken
You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!
Serving Suggestions
This scrumptious chicken can be served with all kinds of yummy sides. Here are some favorites:
Baked Mac and Cheese Shoestring Fries Cucumber Salad Tricolor Pasta Salad
This chicken is so tender and flavorful, you can have it with sides, roll it up in a wrap or shred and smother with BBQ sauce. It’s the chicken that keeps on giving!
More Healthy Dinner Recipes We Love
Shrimp and Asparagus Sheet Pan Meal Baked Chicken Parmesan Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Oven Fried Chicken Breast
Beer can chicken is healthy, delicious and such an easy BBQ recipe! The steamed beer turns the chicken super moist and juicy, the seasoned skin becomes ultra crispy and flavor packed – it’s a total winner of a chicken dinner!
More Grilled Chicken Recipes to Try:
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs Grilled Bruschetta Chicken Caprese Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Breasts Stuffed Chicken Caprese Sandwich Tandoori Chicken Fiesta Lime Chicken
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