Beer Can Chicken On Grill Recipe

How Do I Smoke Beer Can Chicken

Place the chicken on the grill and close the grill cover while cooking. You will cook until the chicken reaches 160 degrees in the breast area and 175 degrees in the thigh area.

When you will brush on the barbeque sauce, you want to cook the sauce until it becomes tacky instead of wet but you dont want it to burn. So be careful with the time and temperature.

Remember when cooking chicken, the juices will run clear when the chicken is done.

Bbq Beer Can Chicken On The Smoker Or Grill

Nothing says lets hang out by the grill as well as smoked BBQ Beer Can Chicken. Lets be honest, that squatty little chicken is fun, awesome, and crazy delicious!

We are big fans of our Big Green Egg so we spend a lot of time creating recipes that we can enjoy with friends and family. Though these recipes convert well from smoker to grill and back.

If you love the idea of a whole chicken on the smoker, try this Smoked Whole Chicken too!

How Do You Make Beer Can Chicken

Start by brushing a whole chicken with olive oil, then covering the inside and outside of the chicken with BBQ rub. Open a can of beer and pour approximately 1/4 of the liquid out. Carefully set the chicken on top of the can. Be sure to push the chicken down to create a tripod effect with the legs of the chicken and the beer can to keep everything stable. Cook the chicken over indirect heat on the grill for 60-90 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with fresh herbs, then serve and enjoy.

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Tips From The Betty Crocker Kitchens

• tip 1 Dont worry about what kind of beer to use. The beer doesnt really add any flavor to the chicken its mostly a tool for turning the chicken into a tripod so it can stand upright on the grill.
• tip 2 After brushing chicken with sauce, watch it carefully. If you remove chicken too soon, skin wont re-crisp. If you wait too long, sugar in barbecue sauce will burn.

New Mexican Beer Can Grilled Chicken

This recipe employs a popular grilling technique that has been around for decades. Its amazing how moist the steaming beer bubbling up into the cavity makes the chicken, and the subtle hops flavor pairs perfectly with the ice-cold beers you are apt to be drinking on a hot July day. New Mexican beer, please!

ANCHO CHILE RUB

2 teaspoons coriander seeds, toasted and then ground 2 teaspoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and then ground2 teaspoons hot New Mexico red chile powder2 teaspoons ancho chile powder 2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper 2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 can of your favorite New Mexican beer

Serves 4

INSTRUCTIONS

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Simple Beer Can Chicken On A Gas Grill The Last Step

Once our chicken breast has reached 130 degrees we now need to turn up the heat. This is the point to use a small drip pan if you like, fill the bottom with salt or flour. Get the grill up to 450 degrees this is where we get that brown crispy skin.

The fat will render quickly so you will need to watch it closely from here on out. Try to avoid placing it over direct flame to avoid major flare ups. The skin should be nice and crispy in 10 to 15 minutes while the breast reaches its ideal 165 temperature.

If a grease fire happens: Turn off all your burners, open the grill lid, and move the bird as far away from the smoke and flames as possible. Let the fire run its course.

Our final thoughts on simple beer can chicken on a gas grill: I was amazed at how well this turned out. Had I known I would have taken a lot more pictures. I dont know what exactly is in that McCormick Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning but they might consider changing its name to chicken magic.

What Temperature Should Beer Can Chicken Be Cooked To

Your whole grilled chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken thigh reads 165°F. Depending on the size of your chicken and the type of grill you use, this means that your beer can chicken cook time will vary a bit. We recommend starting to check the temp at an hour and 15 minutes, and then keep checking regularly until you see that 165°F. Also, when youre checking the internal temperature, make sure that youre not touching the bone.

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Getting The Beer Can Chicken On The Grates

Now that you have completed all of your prep work, its time to cook your chicken. Head outside to your grill and with the roasting pan or sheet tray.

• If using a pellet grill or other convection style grill, place chicken on the center of your grate
• If using a two zone grilling set up, place chicken on the side of the grill without direct heat underneath the grate

From there, close the lid. At 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the chicken should take about two hours to cook completely. Try your best not to peek at the chicken too often, no matter how tempting it might be! Each time you lift the lid, valuable heat escapes and your cook becomes a little bit more uneven.

Really though, were cooking until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. This recipe is one where its really important to have some kind of probe thermometer handy that can measure the chickent internal temperature at multiple points. Check the thighs and breast when both have reached 165°F, the chicken can come off of the grill.

How To Store Leftovers

Let any leftover chicken cool completely. Then store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a few days.

Use leftovers for any dishes that call for shredded or cubed chicken Otherwise, just reheat in the microwave or eat it cold. I love a simple cold chicken sandwich with mayo!

To freeze, wrap leftover beer can chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag or container. Place in the freezer for up to 3 to 4 months.

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Simple Beer Can Chicken On A Gas Grill The Prep

Take your cleaned whole fryer chicken and pat the skin dry with a paper towel. We used a 5lb. Tyson whole fryer. Season the skin heavily with the McCormick Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning, about half the small bottle. Get under the skin at the top of the breast as well.

Place a quarter of a beer in its can on your chicken stand and sprinkle some, half a teaspoon, of the seasoning into the beer. We used Yuengling light lager because that is what I drink. Place your chicken onto the stand and touch up anywhere that you rubbed the seasoning off of. And place into the refrigerator until the grill is ready.

Why only a quarter of a can of beer? Over the years I noticed that the beer doesnt cook down. So why waste it?

The Most Flavorful Beer Can Chicken

Beer can chicken is seriously one of our favorite things to make. We love it on the grill and in the oven. Since you cook a whole chicken on top of a can of beer, the end result is both white and dark meat that is so juicy and tender.

What is beer can chicken?

Beer can chicken is a method of cooking chicken where you place the cavity of a whole chicken on top of a can of beer. It can be cooked in the oven or on the grill.

Is beer can chicken and beer but chicken the same thing?

Yes! Beer butt chicken is just another name for beer can chicken.

Why should I make beer can chicken?

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Beer Can Chicken Variations

This recipe here is a traditional dry rub that many people use for their beer can chicken. If these seasonings arent your favorite, there are a couple of variations you may like.

One thing many people choose to do is a BBQ rub that contains brown sugar and seasonings such as garlic, onion, and paprika. Another option would be a cajun rub, or even using a seasoning blend such as Old Bay.

For the beer, you can use your favorite IPA, stout, a hard cider, or you can swap the beer for a mason jar half full of chicken stock, apple cider, or lemon juice and water. Some people even drop a couple of garlic cloves down into the liquid before they put it inside of the chicken.

For easier adaptation to indoor cooking, or for use during winter months when your grill might not be accessible, there is a spatchcock variation.

There youd spatchcock the chicken and lay it flat in a roasting pan and pour the beer or other cooking liquid into the pan as well. This way the chicken roasts in its juices and the beer aromatics are also infused into the meat.

What Beer Is Best For Beer Can Chicken

This is usually a matter of personal preference. This recipe uses Bud Light as a simple, all-American beer of choice. You can honestly use whatever beer you prefer for this chicken, though I do recommend using something that isnt too hoppy, too bitter, or too sweet.

If you are feeling adventurous, youre welcome to play around with the beer you use for your beer can chicken. Though, when in doubt go with a lager for the best results.

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What Is The Best Beer For Beer Can Chicken

The best beer for beer can chicken is the kind of beer that youd like to sip while you watch the grill. Imagine a hot day, breeze blowing but plenty of ambient heat from that coal fire whats in your hand? For us, its a lager every time. All-American, mass-produced lagers are the gold standard for beer can chickenstuff like a can of Miller, or a Budwieserbut you dont need to feel married to any one brand. If you can find Stella in a can, or a Montucky Cold Snack or even a good old PBR. Whatever youd actually like to drink about half of before popping your chicken on the grill is the right choice.

Watch The Step By Step Video For This Recipe Below:

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Are you ready to get grilling this chicken?!! Im getting hungry again just looking at it! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @gimmesomegrilling or hashtag #gimmesomegrilling!

I really want to hear from you, so if you love this chicken, be sure to comment and leave a five star rating below.

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Top Tips For Perfect Beer Can Chicken

Beer Can Chicken Rub Be Generous: youll notice that this beer can chicken recipe calls for a decent amount of dry rub. Thats because we not only want the chicken to end up super flavorful, but it will help create a delicious crispy skin. Try our chicken seasoning or chicken dry rub instead.

Get Under the Skin: whatever you do, dont skip rubbing butter and dry rub between the meat and skin. It adds so much flavor!

Higher Heat: lots of beer can chicken recipes on the internet cook their beer can chickens at a lower heat. However, we love how ours turned out at 425ºF.

Keep Chicken Upright: you can either try and balance your chicken on its own legs or you can use a handy dandy beer can chicken holder. Either work.

Cook Until 165ºF: in order for chicken to be safely consumed, one must cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. We use a digital meat thermometer and highly recommend one!

Try it!

How To Use Leftover Beer Can Chicken

You know me. I live for leftovers. I think theyre the biggest gift to our busy schedules. You might even want to consider grilling TWO chickens at the same time, for even more leftovers love!

The chicken breasts are the easiest pieces to slice and save for later.

Here are some suggestions for using the leftover chicken:

• Soup: Oh how I love a good bowl of soup! Try my Thai Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup, or this super fun End of Summer Chicken Chili thats loaded with garden harvest goodness. If your family likes pasta and cheese, try my Lemon Chicken Tortellini Soup.
• Salad: Blake and the girls go crazZzZzy for Chinese Chicken Salad. This Chopped Chicken and Couscous Salad with Sweet Basil Dressing is also wonderful. Or top some fresh greens with slices of leftover grilled chicken and drizzle over the top this beautiful Herby Lemon Vinaigrette or my grandmas Fresh Ginger Dressing .
• Mexican: This recipe for Autumn-Spiced Cheddar Chicken Tacos with Apples always gets great reviews. And my sisters Taco Salad with Creamy Taco Dressing and Doritos is on our menu ALOT just swap out the ground beef or turkey for leftover chicken. Or do like our girls do, and make cheesy chicken quesadillas!
• Total comfort: Have you tried this cheesy Chicken Cheesesteak Baked Ziti yet? Its loaded with flavor, so darn good!

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How To Make Beer Can Chicken

• First, dry the skin of your chicken really well. Its crucial to get the chicken skin as dry as you can. Wetness is the enemy of crispy grilled chicken skin. We use paper towels to pat and gently squeeze every single inch of the chicken.
• Rub the chicken skin with seasonings. Make a beer can chicken rub with vegetable oil and a homemade chicken seasoning blend . Rub every last bit of it over the skin and inside cavity.

• Set up your beer can holder. Place a half-full beer can into the can attachment of the beer can chicken holder.
• Set up your chicken. Lower the chicken onto the open can so that that chicken is sitting upright with the can in its cavity. Tilt the chicken a bit to the side and sprinkle all over with a bit more salt and black pepper.
• Cook the chicken on the grill. Turn off one grill burner and place the chicken over it for indirect cooking. Reduce heat to between 325° to 350° F. Shut the lid and walk away. Let your chicken cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Test for doneness. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh. Without touching bone, the thermometer should read 165° F.
• Let your chicken rest. Carefully transfer chicken to a rimmed pan and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Serve! Carefully lift chicken off the beer can, gently wiggling the chicken back and forth if it sticks. Cut chicken into pieces with a meat knife and serve immediately.

What Is Beer Can Chicken

Lets take a moment to talk a bit about beer can chicken, shall we? If youve never experienced this before, youre in for some fun. Also known as beer butt chicken or chicken on a throne, beer can chicken is a method of cooking a whole chicken over a can of beer on the grill.

Now, the science of this whole ordeal is debatable , but the process is still fun nonetheless.

For this recipe, were skipping the beer can and keeping the same process with a ceramic roaster instead. This results in a tasty chicken that is just as fun to cook as it is to eat.

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Smoked Chicken Spice Mix Is No Joke

If you think you have seen this spice mix before It is because you have. These Chipotle Red Potatoes are one of the most popular recipes on this site. And I have a dear friend who calls the spice mix Magical Chipotle Dust.

It is so good. You will want to mix it up in huge batches and sprinkle it on everything. Seriously. It is magical.

Sprinkle some on your potatoes. Sprinkle some on the chicken. Sprinkle some on roasted corn on the cob. Sprinkle some on your eggs Just dont run out.

How Long To Cook Beer Can Chicken

Once on the grill, this chicken takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to fully cook the chicken.

Keep in mind that this cooking time will vary greatly depending on how large your chicken is. I cooked around a 6-pound bird and it took me around 45 minutes with my grill running nice and consistent to fully cook the meat.

Your best bet with this chicken is to use an internal meat thermometer to gauge the temperature of the chicken as it cooks. The chicken is done when the temperature at the thickest part of the meat reaches 165 degrees F.

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