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BBQ Beer Can Chicken

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BBQ Beer Can Chicken

BBQ Beer Can Chicken is a simple way to amp up the flavors of your BBQ chicken. There are so many easy ways to add flavor to your chicken when you cook using this method. 

Using a whole chicken makes preparation a breeze. In addition, you can select any type of spice rub or dry rub you like for your creation.  I like to use something with a little heat.

This time I used the chicken rub from A Cajun Life. It paired perfectly with the flavors of the beer that I selected. When you are deciding on what flavors to use the sky is pretty much the limit when using this cooking technique.

BBQ Whole Chicken standing on a beer can

Pick your favorite Beer!

I like to use a robust flavored beer like an amber ale.  For this recipe, I used a beer from a local craft brewery called Rutting Elk Red brewed by The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company. Remember, all the flavors you select will be melded together in your roast chicken. So it is important to pair flavors that will complement each other.

I went all out and spent $9.99 for a small stand that holds the chicken upright. The unit also holds the can of beer and catches all the juices in the small pan at the bottom. 

You can add aromatics like garlic cloves or herbs to the pan so that the flavors are absorbed by the bird as it cooks. I like to put mine inside the chicken, I find the flavors come through better that way. 

I often insert ½ an onion, maybe a crushed garlic clove or 2, and some herbs sprigs like rosemary or thyme.

BBQ whole Chicken on a silver plate standing on a beer can

Stand it up

If you do not have a stand that will support your chicken and hold your beer can that’s OK. You will simply have to make sure that you balance your bird like a tripod using the 2 legs and the back. 

The beer can will act as a stabilizer to keep your chicken upright.  You might want to place a foil roasting pan under your chicken to catch the drippings.

 For this type of cooking, you will want to use a medium-sized bird around a 2 1/2 to 3 lb bird.  If it is any larger than that you will have to cook it quite a bit longer.

This may potentially cause your chicken to become dry, especially the legs and outer breasts.

BBQ Whole Chicken standing on a beer can

Fire it up!

I used my gas grill for this, it is quick to start and I find that roasted chicken using indirect cooking it works very well.

If you are using a charcoal grill you will want to move the coals to one side of your BBQ once they are a nice white/grey color.

You need to make sure that you cook the chicken to a safe internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F. You should make sure that you insert your temperature probe into the thickest part of the thigh. Don’t touch any bones as that will provide you with a false reading.

Of course, you can’t just serve chicken to your family or guests. You need some incredible sides to go with your fabulous chicken. 

Here are just a few ideas for you to try, any one of these will added fantastic flavor to your meal!

Wheat Berry Salad in a white bowl

WHEAT BERRY SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES, PECANS, AND GOAT CHEESE

By Noshing With The Nolands

Italian salad in a small serving bowl with a spoon

ITALIAN SALAD WITH CREAMY ITALIAN DRESSING

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3 cheese pasta salad in a red serving dish

BEST THREE CHEESE RANCH PASTA SALAD RECIPE

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Pineapple Walnut Raisin Coleslaw in a white bowl with a purple serving spoon

PINEAPPLE WALNUT RAISIN COLESLAW

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Herbed Potato salad in a white bowl

HERBED POTATO SALAD {NO MAYO}

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Creamy Potato Salad in a small white bowl

GRANDMA’S POTATO SALAD

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This Beer Can Chicken is so juicy and tender, it can be enjoyed year round on your BBQ #BeerCan #BBQChicken #Chicken

BBQ Beer Can Chicken

Ken Noland
BBQ Beer Can Chicken is a perfect feast from the BBQ. The beer steams inside the chicken as it cooks and creates the juiciest chicken you have ever tasted.
4.67 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course BBQ
Cuisine American
Calories 623 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 2 ½ -3 pound whole chicken
  • 1 TBSP olive oil
  • A Cajun Life Chicken Rub
  • ½ Onion
  • 5 Sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 can of your favorite tasty beer

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your BBQ to 375 degrees F.
  • Dry the chicken with a paper towel, also make sure that you remove the giblets (if any) before cooking. Insert the 1/2 onion and the thyme springs into your chicken.
  • Rub the outside with olive oil and then cover the chicken with The Cajun Life Chicken Rub.
  • Open your beer and pour about 1/2 out into a glass, then insert the beer can into the chicken. Place on your stand if you are using one.
  • Turn off one side of your BBQ and place the chicken on that side. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour. I like to check the temperature after an hour as the cook time can vary.
  • Now sit down and drink the 1/2 can of beer that you poured into the glass as reward for starting to make one of the best chickens that you will ever taste!

Equipment

The Cajun Life Chicken Rub

Notes

You should rest your chicken for 15 minutes after you remove it from the BBQ before slicing. This allows the natural juices to be absorbed back into the meat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 623kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 66gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 213mgSodium: 199mg
Nutrition calculation is an estimation only. If you need nutritional calculations for medical reasons, please use a source that you trust.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!


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4.67 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Hi, I’m Ken thanks for stopping by BBQing with the Nolands! I was born and raised in Western Canada. I grew up on the great wide open farmlands that produce some of the worlds’ best livestock and grains.
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