Beer can chicken is a flavorful and juicy BBQ dish where a whole chicken is cooked upright on a partially filled beer can.
Hold onto your spatulas, folks! Ready to turn your backyard into Flavor Town? We’re diving headfirst into the legendary beer can chicken BBQ recipe that’s juicier than a soap opera and smokier than a dragon’s breath! Perfect for your next cookout, this guide will spill all the beans—well, liquid gold beer—to make sure your bird is the king of the grill.
Beer Can Chicken BBQ Recipe
Beer Can Chicken is the ultimate BBQ experience! Picture a whole chicken perched comically on a beer can, getting all smokey and flavorful on the grill. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and just a whole lot of fun. Perfect for a backyard cookout or impressing your friends.
- Cooking Method: Grilling
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cuisine Type: American BBQ
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 can of beer (12 oz)
- 1 lemon, halved
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Remove any giblets from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the chicken thoroughly with olive oil.
- Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix all over the chicken.
- Open the can of beer and take a swig (chef’s privilege!). Place the chicken cavity over the beer can, balancing the bird upright on the can and its two legs.
- Squeeze the lemon halves over the top of the chicken and place the used halves inside the chicken’s cavity.
- Carefully place the beer can chicken on the preheated grill, using indirect heat. Close the lid.
- Grill for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
- Remove the chicken from the grill carefully – it’s full of hot liquid gold after all! Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Enjoy!
Suggestions
- Alternative Ingredients: Substitute beer with ginger ale or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Garnishing Options: Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Cooking Tips: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Keep an eye on grill temperature; too high, and your chicken will dry out. Too low, and you’ll be having cereal for dinner.
