SMOKED BEER CAN CHICKEN

Smoked Beer Can Chicken is the best way to cook a whole chicken on the grill. You get crispy skin while the meat stays juicy and tender.

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I’m not sure how Beer Can Chicken (aka Beer in the Butt Chicken) came to be. I feel like it was a group of drinking and grilling guys who thought it would be funny. That funny experiment turned into a very tasty meal! So whoever you are where ever you are, thank you!! Beer Can Chicken is the absolute best!!

HOW TO MAKE SMOKED BEER CAN CHICKEN

1. First, remove the neck and giblets from the center of the chicken (if it came with them inside).
2. Brining, this step is optional. A brine adds flavor and keeps the meat tender and juicy. Brining also helps tenderize lean meats so they don’t dry out as easily when cooked. To brine, place chicken in a large bowl and cover with water. Add 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup sugar to water. Brine from 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on how much time you have to prepare. Store in refrigerator while brining.
3. Next, you need to season the chicken very well inside and out. I like to loosen the skin, butter and season below the skin, on top of the skin, and in the cavity. If you have a favorite chicken seasoning, you can use it or what I have listed below.
4. Empty the beer so that it’s half full, set the beer in a sturdy, level pan (like a disposable 9×13 aluminum pan), then slide the chicken on the can of beer.
5. Cook for about 60 to 90 minutes for a 4 pound chicken over indirect heat. Be sure to test the internal temp with a meat thermometer! The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165° F (75° Celsius). 
6. The trickiest part of this recipe is getting the chicken on and off the can. It really makes it easier if you have a friend. After you remove the bird from the grill, let it rest for about 10 minutes. To remove the cooked chicken, one person needs to hold the can with tongs while another person pulls the bird out with tongs (watch out, it’s hot!).

Another recipe you’ll enjoy is how to smoke a turkey on a gas grill.

SETTING UP YOUR GRILL

You want to set the grill up for indirect heat. That means to push all the charcoals to one side (see the photo above) or for gas grills to turn on half of the burners.

CAN I COOK BEER CAN CHICKEN IN THE OVEN?

Yes. Yes, you can! Here’s how.

Oven Instructions for Beer Can Chicken: Heat your oven to 350°F. Assemble the bird as directed and place a roasting pan on the lower rack of your oven. Roast at 350°F for about 60 to 90 minutes for a 4 lb chicken. (You’ve really got to check the internal temperature!)

BEST BEER TO USE

When a recipe calls for beer, wine, or other alcohol use something that you would drink. That said, any beer will work if you like strong beer flavor use it.

CAN I USE SODA INSTEAD OF BEER

Yes. You can actually use any soda, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, or Coca-Cola. You can even empty a drink can and fill it with chicken broth or wine. As well, you can use a pint mason jar or even a soup can (remove the label)  and fill it with stock, wine, beer, etc. They’ll all flavor, steam, and moisten the bird.

FOR LEFTOVER CHICKEN TRY THESE RECIPES

1. Easy Chicken Salad
2. Street Corn Chicken Tacos
3. Chicken Doritos Casserole
4. Cheesy Chicken Rotini
5. Bacon Chicken Ranch Pizza

This Smoked Beer Can Chicken is a must-have to your chicken and grilling repertoire.

I updated this post from an earlier version published on February 6, 2013. I made new photos, updated tips, added nutrition information, and simplified the recipe instructions.

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