The Best Beer Can Chicken Ever

The Best Beer Can Chicken Ever
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    45 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    1 hrs 10 mins
  • SERVING
    6 People
  • VIEWS
    12

Infuse your chicken with the rich, malty notes of stout and a fiery blend of spices! This Beer Can Chicken recipe delivers an incredibly juicy bird with a crispy, flavor-packed skin that will be the star of your next barbecue.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    10 g
  • Cholesterol
    162 mg
  • Fiber
    1 g
  • Protein
    52 g
  • Saturated Fat
    8 g
  • Sodium
    480 mg
  • Sugar
    7 g
  • Fat
    29 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill for medium heat. If using charcoal, arrange the coals to one side to create an indirect heat zone. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Prepare the Beer Infusion: Open the stout beer and pour out about a quarter of it. Place the can on a sturdy surface and carefully drop the Thai chilies and peeled garlic cloves into the beer. (3 minutes)

03

Step

Mix the Spice Rub: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, dry mustard, garam masala, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, cinnamon, onion powder, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed. (5 minutes)

04

Step

Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Evenly coat the entire chicken, inside and out, with the prepared spice rub. Make sure to get under the skin of the breast for maximum flavor. (10 minutes)

05

Step

Assemble and Grill: Place the beer can with the beer mixture onto the grill grates over indirect heat. Carefully lower the chicken onto the can, so the can is inserted into the cavity of the chicken, and the chicken is sitting upright, using the can as a support. Ensure the chicken is stable and balanced. (2 minutes)

06

Step

Grill to Perfection: Cover the grill and cook the chicken over indirect heat. Maintain a consistent temperature of around 325-350°F (160-175°C). Grill until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (avoiding the bone) registers at least 165°F (75°C). This will typically take about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the grill and chicken size. (45-60 minutes)

07

Step

Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. (10 minutes)

08

Step

Carve and Enjoy: Carve the chicken and serve immediately. The meat should be incredibly moist and infused with the beer and spice flavors. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and unforgettable meal. (5 minutes)

For a smokier flavor, add wood chips (such as hickory or apple) to your grill's smoker box or directly onto the charcoal.
If you don't have a grill, you can use the same method in the oven. Place the chicken on a roasting pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
Ensure the chicken is stable on the can before closing the grill lid to prevent it from tipping over during cooking.
Use a sturdy pair of tongs or heat-resistant gloves when handling the hot chicken and beer can.
The beer can chicken can be prepared a day in advance, stored in the fridge, and then cooked at your leisure.

Estel Hoppe

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.5/ 5 ( 4 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
  • Aletha Satterfield

    This recipe is a game changer! The chicken was incredibly moist and flavorful. The spice rub is perfectly balanced.

  • Emiliano Stamm

    The instructions were easy to follow, and the chicken came out perfect. I will definitely be making this again!

  • Fletcher Murphy

    The spice rub is amazing! I've used it on other cuts of chicken and it always comes out great. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

  • Jairo Shanahan

    I've tried other beer can chicken recipes before, but this one is by far the best. The stout beer adds such a unique depth of flavor.

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