This Beer Can Chicken Recipe Will Be the Talk of Your Next Barbecue
Placing a whole bird on the grill is a great way to infuse it with smokiness and ensure it cooks to juicy perfection. And this Beer Can Chicken recipe is definitely worth giving a try! It uses just 5 ingredients including a surprise add-in: beer. The alcohol imparts flavor and prevents the chicken from drying out as the bird sits on top of the can while cooking. It’s the perfect main that’s hassle-free and delivers on deliciousness!
It’s worth noting that the alcohol from the beer evaporates, only leaving behind its complex taste. However, you can use a can of non-alcohol beer or root beer instead as they pair well with the rich sauce and smoky rub. Additionally, you can prep the rub and sauce ahead and then proceed with the remaining steps in the recipe. This moist and delicious chicken is tasty served along BBQ staple sides like Baked Beans and Grilled Corn on the Cob.
Yields
Total Time
Prep Time
Ingredients
- 1 (1.25 oz.) pkg. chili seasoning mix, such as McCormick
- 2 Tbs. oil
- 1 (5 lb.) chicken
- 1 (12 oz.) can beer
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
PrintPrepare grill for medium-high indirect-heat cooking. In bowl, combine seasoning and oil; rub over chicken.
Pour half of beer out of can; place can in deep roasting pan. Carefully lower chicken cavity over can. Arrange legs to stabilize chicken so that it stands upright.
Carefully transfer pan with chicken over can to grill. Cover grill. Grill chicken until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh away from bone registers 175°F, about 1½ hrs., basting with ½ cup barbecue sauce after 1 hr. Remove chicken from can; let rest 15 min. before carving. Serve with remaining barbecue sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 566
- Fat: 32 gram
- Saturated Fat: 8 gram
- Protein: 47 gram
- Carbohydrate: 20 gram
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 149 mg
- Sugar: 14 gram
- Sodium: 783 mg
