Beer Can Chicken On The Grill

Beer can chicken on the grill anyone? Today we’re cooking beer can chicken on the grill.

We’ll talk about what temperature your chicken should be when it’s done and even a few tips I’ve learned along the way!

So let’s fire up the BBQ grill and make beer can chicken!

Also, check out grilled drumsticks and smoked chicken wings.

Grilling beer can chicken! Learn how to cook beer can chicken on the grill and in the oven. It's easy, delicious, and you'll want to make it all summer long! #beercanchicken #grillingbeercanchicken #grilling #grill #chicken #grilllingchicken #chickengrilled

Grilling Beer Can Chicken


There’s no fancy recipe here, just a good old backyard grill for grilling beer can chicken.

I’m just here to show you how to cook beer can chicken on the grill, not to overwhelm you with some elaborate recipe that no one wants to make.

Here’s how to cook one on your BBQ grill.

Ingredients


  • 1 whole chicken, remove the giblets, pat dry
  • ½ to ¾ can of your favorite beer or beverage
  • Optional: Spices, rub and/or BBQ sauce

You’ll also need


  • Disposable tin tray, old metal baking pan lined with tin foil or click below to check out the holders with built in trays…
  • Optional: Chicken Stand <- I have one and love it! I really should have got one with a built in tray…

Directions


Preheat the grill to 400 degrees using only 1/2 of the burners, or set up your charcoal for indirect cooking.

Remove the giblets and pat the entire bird dry. Patting the chicken dry will create a nice crispy skin!

Take a few swigs of the beer – you only need 1/2 to 3/4 of a can of beer to grill beer can chicken. Place the can in the chicken stand or center of the pan you’re using.

Straddle the chicken over the beer can and give it a light, but firm press down onto the can. Make adjustments as needed so the bird stands up nicely.

Add rub or seasoning if you wish.

Beer Can Chicken On The Grill, Cooking chicken on the grill with beer can

Place chicken and pan on the indirect side of your preheated grill. Do not cook over hot burners or coals.

Close the grill lid and cook the chicken for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, rotate 180 degrees 1/2 way through for even cooking. Grilling time will depend on how big your chicken is an how cold it is coming out of the fridge.

During the last 15-20 minutes or so, add BBQ sauce if desired.

Chicken is done when thigh meat is cooked to 180 degrees F. and the breast meat is 165 degrees F.

Remove from the grill and rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Beer Can Chicken On The Grill, How to BBQ beer can chicken

Beer Can Chicken Tips


Maintain heat between 375 and 450 degrees for best results.

Use whatever flavor beer you like. We used Modelo Especial and Modelo Negra a few times and it’s great! We also like to use apple flavored drinks, which gives the chicken a fun flavor.

If you have bottled beer, simply pour the beer into any soda pop or leftover beer can and you’re set to go!

Non-Alcoholic Variation


Make this a non-alcoholic version (not that any alcohol is imparted into the chicken anyway), but you can use sodas or other drinks, too!

Basically you can use any drink in a can for this chicken. Choose something you like and give it a try! Maybe you’ll like the subtle hint of grape soda in your chicken. Try everything once!

Beer Can Chicken In The Oven


To make beer can chicken in the oven, use the same method.

Move the oven rack down to the middle-low position, not the bottom rack but the one just above it.

Cook the chicken just like we do on the grill and it will come out fantastic!

Beer Can Chicken On The Grill, Finished beer can chicken, golden brown

It’s that simple to make beer can chicken on the grill using a beer or soda can!

Beer Can Chicken On The Grill, Chicken cooking on grill over indirect heatYou might also like:

Beer Can Chicken On The Grill, beer can chicken grilled

5 from 1 vote

Beer Can Chicken On The Grill

Grilling beer can chicken is easy and with this tutorial, you'll learn exactly how to do it!
Servings 8 people
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Tin pan
  • Beer can holder; optional

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken remove the giblets sack
  • 3/4 can Beer
  • 1/4 cup BBQ rub rub and spices optional

Instructions

  • Preheat grill to 400 degrees using 1/2 of the burners or setting up your charcoal for indirect cooking.
  • Remove giblets and pat dry for crispy skin.
  • In a tin pan, straddle chicken over a 3/4 full can of beer and give it a nice light, but firm press down onto the can. Make any adjustments to the bird stands up nicely.
  • Add rub or seasoning if you wish.
  • Place chicken in pan on preheated grill.
  • Close grill lid and cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, rotate 180 degrees 1/2 way through for even cooking.
  • During the last 15-20 minutes or so, add BBQ sauce if desired.
  • Chicken is done when thigh meat is cooked to 180 degrees F. and breast meat is 165 degrees F.
  • Remove from grill, rest 10 minutes before carving.

Video

Notes

You can cook this in the oven using the exact same method and temperatures.
No beer? No problem! Use your favorite drink in a can. From soda to juices, you can get really creative with the flavors of your beer can chicken.
Author: Scrappy Geek
Cost: $5
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main, Main Course, Main Dishes
Cuisine: American

Join the Conversation

  1. 5 stars
    We love grilling beer can chicken. Let me know how much you loved making this!

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