grilled beer can chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best grilled beer can chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share my favorite grilled beer can chicken recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

The combination of the smoky flavor from the grill, the tanginess of the beer, and the juiciness of the chicken is just perfect. I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – you can serve it with a variety of sides, from classic coleslaw to roasted vegetables.

My kids absolutely love it when I make this for dinner, and it’s become a staple in our household. The best part?

It’s incredibly healthy – just think about all those antioxidants from the beer and the lean protein from the chicken! I’ve even served it at family gatherings and potlucks, and everyone always raves about it.

One of the key techniques to making this dish is to make sure you cook the chicken slowly over low heat, so that it stays nice and moist. This is where most people go wrong – they crank up the heat and end up with dry, overcooked chicken.

But trust me, this slow-cooking method makes all the difference. And don’t even get me started on the flavors – with just a few simple spices and herbs, you can create an incredible depth of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.

Grilled Beer Can Chicken

4.9 from 1175 votes

This grilled beer can chicken recipe is a fun and flavorful way to cook chicken. The beer creates a juicy, tender interior while the skin becomes crispy and smoky from the grill.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time90 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time105 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 whole chicken legs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder

For the Beer Can

4 cans of beer
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
2Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
3In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a dry rub.
Set aside.
4Rinse the chicken legs and pat them dry with paper towels.
5Rub the dry rub evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat all sides.
6Pour the beer into a beer can holder.
7Add olive oil, thyme, and rosemary to the beer and stir to combine.
8Place the beer can holder with the beer mixture onto the grill.
9Place the chicken legs onto the beer can holder, making sure the chicken is stable and will not fall off.
10Cover the grill and cook the chicken for 40 minutes.
11After 40 minutes, rotate the chicken legs 180 degrees to ensure even cooking.
12The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
13If the skin is not crispy, increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
14Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
15This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.
16To remove the chicken from the beer can, carefully lift the chicken off the can and place it on a cutting board.
17Use aluminum foil to wrap the beer can and dispose of it safely.
18Slice the chicken into pieces and serve it with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables or a side salad.

🔧Equipment

Grill
Grill brush
Beer can holder
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 40g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute the beer with chicken broth or soda for a non-alcoholic option. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Watch Video Of How Grilled Beer Can Chicken Works

This grilled beer can chicken recipe has been a staple in my household for years, and I highly recommend giving it a try for your next family gathering or everyday dinner. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also super healthy – just think about all those antioxidants from the beer!

To store leftovers, simply let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. When reheating, make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

As for serving ideas, I like to serve mine with a side of coleslaw or roasted vegetables – but feel free to get creative!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Beer Can Chicken

Q: What’s the deal with beer can chicken? Is it really worth all the fuss?

Yes, it’s totally worth it! Beer can chicken is a classic dish that originated in South America, where people would grill chickens directly over an open flame while holding them in place with a beer can.

Q: Is beer can chicken safe to eat?

Absolutely! As long as you’re using a clean beer can and not letting anything contaminate it during cooking, you’ll be fine.

Q: Can I use any type of beer for this recipe?

Nope! You want to use a lighter-colored beer that won’t overpower the flavor of the chicken. Pilsners or lagers work best.

Q: How do I prevent flare-ups when grilling my chicken?

Make sure your grill is at a medium-low heat before adding the chicken, and keep an eye on it as you cook. If you notice any flare-ups, just move the chicken away from direct heat until they die down.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep everything ahead of time – just don’t assemble the chicken until right before cooking.

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