Beer Can Chicken
Beer Can Chicken delivers tender, flavorful poultry with crispy skin, infused by the beer inside. Perfect for outdoor grilling, it offers smoky, savory notes and a moist interior. Ideal for casual gatherings, summer barbecues, or family dinners, this method creates a show-stopping centerpiece with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove and discard the neck, giblets, and excess fat from the chicken. Rinse the chicken well inside and out with cold water.
- Lightly brush or spray the chicken with vegetable oil, then season inside and out with the rub mixture (mustard, onion, paprika, salt, garlic, coriander, cumin, pepper).
- Open the can of beer and pour out half. Set the half-full can on a flat surface.
- Slide the chicken over the top of the can so the can fits inside the cavity.
- Transfer the chicken and beer can to the grill, keeping the can upright.
- Grill over indirect medium heat for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 170°F in the breast and 180°F in the thigh.
- Carefully remove the chicken and beer can from the grill wearing barbecue mitts, being cautious not to spill the hot beer.
- Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before lifting it from the can.
- Discard the beer, carve the chicken into serving pieces, and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the rub mixture overnight. If you don't have dry mustard, you can substitute with Dijon mustard. Make sure to use a sturdy beer can; if you prefer, a soda can works just as well for a different flavor profile. Keep an eye on the grill temperature to ensure even cooking, and don't hesitate to use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beer can chicken with a side of seasoned Parslied Potatoes for a classic pairing. A fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables can add a nice contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving with Southern Fried Chicken or Chicken Noodle Dumplings. A cold beer or a light white wine complements this dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beer can chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can slice the chicken and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beer Can Chicken contains roughly 121 calories, with 5g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 551mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of alcohol instead of beer?
Yes, you can use other types of alcohol like cider or soda for different flavor profiles. Each will impart its unique taste to the chicken, creating variations to enjoy. Just ensure the can fits inside the chicken cavity securely.
What if I don't have a grill?
If you don't have a grill, you can bake the beer can chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet with the beer can. Bake for about 1.5 hours or until the internal temperatures reach the recommended levels.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 170°F in the breast and 180°F in the thigh. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it's cooked safely and thoroughly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).