Beer Can Chicken

This delicious, juicy Beer Can Chicken on your grill is so easy! Plus, it’s great to make on the weekend and use it for meal prep too. This chicken is seasoned with a homemade rub before grilling it on top of a beer can. The chicken has a crispy, seasoned skin and is tender and delicious.

Now does this look tasty or what? Let me tell you we LOVE Beer Can Chicken on the grill! It was all we could do to not pull that crispy skin right off the chicken. It starts with a delicious Chicken Rub and then it is grilled until perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!

Just look at the crispy golden skin! Mmmm! That is one tasty bird!

We served it with my favorite Grilled Asparagus and it was the perfect combo!

Did you know you can also make Beer Can Chicken on the Smoker if you love that smoked taste!

I used this handy chicken rack that made it super easy to balance the chicken on the grill.

If you use just the beer can it gets a little bit tricky, so check out my expert tips below on that!

Why You’ll Love Beer Can Chicken Recipe

Not to mention, there won’t be a whole lot of dishes to clean after this!

• Grilling chicken over a beer can gives you tender, delicious meat with a crispy, seasoned outside.
• Beer Can Chicken is a great way to get some meal prep done for a busy week ahead.
• All you need is a chicken, beer and spice rub – minimal ingredients and preparation for maximum flavor.

What is Beer Can Chicken?

Beer Can Chicken is an American dish which uses a can of beer (or soda) in the cavity of the chicken. Cooking chicken this way adds flavor and moisture to the meat.

Ingredients Needed for Beer Can Chicken

• Chicken Rub – our homemade spice rub includes brown sugar, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder onion powder and ground oregano
• Whole Chicken – I used a 3 pound chicken, if yours is bigger be sure to increase cook time
• Beer – one 12 ounce can of any beer will work, it does not have to be fancy

How to make Beer Can Chicken

1. Preheat the grill to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare BBQ Chicken rub or use your favorite premade rub.
3. Rinse chicken under cold running water, drain and pat dry. Fit whole chicken over the opened can of beer with the legs on the bottom; keeping upright, just like as pictured. I recommend using this chicken rack also!
4. Sprinkle the seasoning mix into the top cavity of the chicken.
5. Lift the skin from the chicken. Then generously rub the spice mix in between the skin and meat of the chicken to season. Next rub the remaining seasoning mix over the entire surface of the chicken.
6. Place the chicken, standing on the can, directly on the preheated grill using indirect heat.
7. Close the lid and grill until the chicken is no longer pink, juices run clear and internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit
8. Remove the chicken from the grill and discard the beer can. Cover the chicken with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest before slicing.

Can I Cook Beer Can Chicken in the Oven?

Yes! Beer Can Chicken in the oven is a great idea if it isn’t exactly grilling weather. Stand the chicken upright in a pan to catch the drippings.

How do I know when Chicken is Cooked Through?

The Beer Can Chicken is cooked through when it is no longer pink at the bone and juices run clear. You may also want to insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to ensure an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is beer can chicken gluten free?

Beer Can Chicken is gluten free when made with a gluten free beer. You can also choose to substitute a soda like ginger ale, citrus soda or even root beer.

What Is the Best Beer for Beer Can Chicken?

A light, refreshing lager is your best bet for a tasty Beer Can Chicken but any beer you have on hand is great! The beer does not have to be anything fancy.

How To Store Leftover Beer Can Chicken

Store cooked, cooled Beer Can Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Have too many leftovers to eat in 3 days? Portion and freeze in zip top bags – thaw in the fridge overnight to add to sandwiches and salads.

How To Reheat Leftover Beer Can Chicken

After you have cooled and stored your Beer Can Chicken, you can easily reheat it in the microwave. Place the chicken on a plate, add a splash of water (or beer!) for moisture and cover, before heating for about two minutes.

Ideas for Leftovers!

• Let the leftover chicken cool then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Any recipe that calls for shredded or cubed chicken is great for using up any leftovers you have.
• Perfect for adding to a Grilled Chicken Salad or making a sandwich.

With extra crispy skin and super juicy meat, this is sure to be be a crowd pleaser. This Beer Can Chicken recipe will be on your grill rotation all summer long!

What goes with beer can chicken?

• Pair it with a delicious Grilled Caesar Salad to make it an easy summer meal.
• Seasoned Potatoes on Grill are sure to round out your meal.
• If you’re looking for the perfect side, look no further than Smoked Stuffing
• Really impress your guests with Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
• Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are sure to be one of your summer veggie side staples.