Crispy Beer Can Chicken on the Grill Easy Juicy Tender Recipe
A flavorful and easy grilled beer can chicken recipe that delivers crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. Perfect for gatherings and quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Whole chicken (4 to 5 lbs / 1.8 to 2.3 kg), fresh or thawed, patted dry
- Beer (12 oz / 355 ml can), pale lager or pilsner recommended
- Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- Salt (1 tbsp), kosher salt preferred
- Black pepper (1 tsp), freshly ground
- Smoked paprika (1 tbsp)
- Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Onion powder (1 tsp)
- Dried thyme or oregano (1 tsp)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Remove giblets if any, then pat the chicken dry inside and out with paper towels.
- Rub olive oil all over the chicken. Mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
- Open the beer can and pour out or drink about half to avoid sogginess. Optionally add garlic cloves or herb sprigs into the beer.
- Carefully lower the chicken cavity over the beer can so the bird sits upright with legs on the grill.
- Preheat grill for indirect medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C). For charcoal, bank coals to one side; for gas, turn off burners under the chicken.
- Place the chicken upright on the grill grate away from direct heat. Close lid and cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, rotating every 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest thigh part.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; juices should run clear when pierced.
- Remove chicken and beer can from grill and let rest upright for 10 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Carve and serve.
Notes
Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispy skin. Use indirect heat and rotate chicken every 20 minutes for even cooking. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. If skin isn’t crispy enough, finish briefly over direct heat. Use lighter beers like pale lager or pilsner for best flavor. Substitute gluten-free beer or sparkling water for gluten-free or alcohol-free versions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the who
- Calories: 350400
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 40
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