Today I’m sharing my favorite Beer Can Chicken recipe—it’s ridiculously simple, and really impresses. My own husband practically licks his plate whenever I make this. I’ll admit, I’m not a huge chicken lover myself– and even I will stand over the counter picking pieces of this off the bone and eating it standing up. It’s really good.
First, prepare your grill: You will be using indirect heat to roast the chicken, so put half the grill on high, and leave the other half with the heat turned off. Close the grill cover and preheat for about 30 minutes. The temperature on the grill should read at about 380-400ºF when ready. (You can also do this in an oven and set it to 400ºF…the rest of the directions will remain the same.)
Next, pour out (or drink!) half the can of beer, and season the chicken with your spice mixture by rubbing it all over the outside of the chicken, and sprinkle a bit more inside the cavity.
Set the chicken on top of the beer can, so it looks like it’s sitting on it, and carefully transfer the chicken to the grill, and set it on the half of the grill that is not turned on. Close the lid and try not to peek at the chicken for at least 45 minutes!
After 45 minutes, you will get a sense of how quickly it’s cooking—the chicken should be starting to brown slightly on the outside. Rotate the chicken 180 degrees. Close the lid and roast the chicken for approximately 30-45 minutes longer. The chicken will be done when it is browned on the outside and a knife inserted into the thigh of the chicken brings out clear juices.
When the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the grill (I use prongs on the top and a spatula underneath the bottom of the beer can). Remember the beer can will be scorching hot! Use prongs to remove the chicken from the can, and discard the remainder of beer. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before carving, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Beer Can Chicken
Amount Per Serving (6 oz)
Calories 822Calories from Fat 513
% Daily Value*
Fat 57g88%
Saturated Fat 16g100%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 286mg95%
Sodium 2011mg87%
Potassium 728mg21%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 71g142%
Vitamin A 571IU11%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 62mg6%
Iron 5mg28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.