Cooked on the grill, this classic beer can chicken recipe is the best way to cook a whole chicken in the warmer months. Seasoned with a dry rub and cooked over a beer can, the meat is wonderfully juicy, tender and so full of flavor.
Chicken on a Can of Beer
Beer can chicken is one of my favorite things to cook when hosting a cookout for friends and family. Super quick and easy to prep and the smell of it cooking on the grill is hard to resist!
A whole chicken is placed over a can of beer during cooking on the grill which means it cooks more evenly and the steam from the beer makes the meat so succulent.
This is always a sure fire crowd pleaser at a BBQ, or cook it up for a fuss free family dinner.
Be sure to try my Crockpot Whole Chicken and Air Fryer Whole Chicken too!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Beer Can Chicken:
- Effortless: It takes no more than 10 minutes to prep the chicken and the cooking time is totally hands off, no flipping needed!
- Simple ingredients: You just need some oil, a can of beer and a few everyday herbs and spices to make this recipe.
- Fool proof: Roasting a whole chicken can be tricky, it’s so easy to overcook which can lead to dry meat. This method of cooking the chicken over a beer can means that the chicken steams and cooks from the inside which results in the most perfectly cooked chicken!
If you love a whole roasted chicken, but don’t want to run the risk of it being dry and tasteless, then you have to try this recipe! It’s a classic and a favorite for a very good reason!
How to Make Beer Can Chicken
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Preheat your grill.
- Combine the seasonings.
- Rub oil over the chicken and under the skin and rub over the seasonings.
- Place the chicken over a half full can of beer.
- Place on the grill and cook.
A can of beer props the chicken up on the grill so that it cooks more evenly and doesn’t need to be flipped. Leaving the beer can half full steams the inside of the bird, leading to tender, juicy meat.
Use whatever beer you have on hand. There’s no need to use a fancy beer because it’s only steaming the meat, not marinading it.
Definitely not! You can use a 12-ounce can of soda or juice instead. You can also use a vegetable or bean can. Remove the label before cooking, and bring the chicken juice-soaked veggies or beans to a boil on the stovetop at the end to make a tasty side.
Absolutely! Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the seasoned beer can chicken in a large roasting pan. Bake the chicken until the juices run clear and the breasts register 165°F, about 65 minutes.
I don’t recommend using a chicken larger than 5 pounds because the beer can may not be able to adequately support a bigger bird.
I love cooking whole chicken on the grill during the warmer months, I hate having the oven on heating up my house! It’s great for a family gathering, but it’s also a tasty way to prep meals too!
Storage Instructions
Store leftover beer can chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove the meat from the bones and let cool fully before storing.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze leftover beer can chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Remove the meat from the bones and let cool fully before storing.
Make It A Meal
- Serve beer can chicken with mashed potatoes and grilled veggies to make a complete meal.
- Shred beer can chicken and use it in soups, on top of salads, or in tacos.
- Leftovers are great mixed with a little mayonnaise and piled into sandwiches.
Oven Baking Instructions
To bake beer can chicken in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on the beer can and set it in a deep walled roasting pan. Bake the chicken until the juices run clear and the breasts register 165°F, about 65 minutes.
This whole chicken recipe is so easy and effortless to make and it guarantees the most juicy, tender and flavor meat every time. This is a must make for grilling season!
If you’ve made this recipe, please be sure to let us know by leaving a star rating or a comment below. Enjoy!
Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
- 1 whole chicken about 4 pounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces beer room temperature (1 can)
Instructions
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.2 tablespoons ground paprika, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, ½-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then rub the olive oil over the whole chicken and under the skin. Sprinkle the seasoning over the whole thing.1 whole chicken, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pour out half of the beer, then lower the chicken over the top of the half-full beer can. Place the chicken in the center of the hot grill and close the lid. Cook the chicken for 1 hour, undisturbed, then check the temperature every 15 minutes after until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F.12 ounces beer
- Carefully transfer the chicken and can to a baking tray, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- Be sure to empty some of the beer from the can, it should be half full when you place on the chicken.
- I love this mix of herbs and spices, but you can use other seasoning mixes if you like.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for at least 10 minutes. This will help to make it extra juicy and flavorful.
Cassie says
Can I use this recipe but bake in oven instead of grill?
Becky Hardin says
I have not tried it that way!