Beer Can Chicken

4.5
(241)

This beer can-chicken recipe produces deliciously moist chicken. It's perfect for a BBQ on a hot summer day. The other half of the can of beer is for the cook to enjoy while preparing dinner!

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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:
4

Ingredients

  • cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

  • 2 tablespoons paprika

  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ (12 fluid ounce) can beer

  • 1 (3 pound) whole chicken

Directions

  1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, about 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  2. Mix brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Place half-full can of beer in the center of a plate.

    an overhead shot of brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper in a bowl

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Rinse chicken under cold running water. Discard giblets and neck from chicken; drain and pat dry. Fit whole chicken over the can of beer with the legs on the bottom; keep upright. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix into the top cavity of chicken. Beer may foam up when seasonings fall inside the can. Rub remaining seasoning mix over entire surface of chicken.

    an overhead shot of seasoning rubbed on whole chicken with a beer can inside

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Place chicken, standing on the can, directly on the preheated grill. Close the lid and cook chicken until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 hour 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

  5. Remove chicken from the grill and discard beer can. Cover chicken with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 10 minutes before slicing.

    close up on a whole beer can chicken on a grill
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe Tip

For extra stability, an inexpensive beer can stand can be purchased at most kitchen stores.

Editor's Note:

The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the beer and spice rub ingredients. The actual amount of these ingredients consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

546 Calories
27g Fat
24g Carbs
48g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 546
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 27g 35%
Saturated Fat 7g 37%
Cholesterol 145mg 48%
Sodium 479mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 18g
Protein 48g 95%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 61mg 5%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 598mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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