Beer Can Chicken
Cook a Whole Chicken on the Grill With a Can of Beer Inside
Beer Can Chicken, Drunk Chicken, Beer Butt Chicken - no matter what you call it, this is a delicious way to barbecue a whole chicken.
Looking for a versatile, fun, delicious way to grill a whole chicken? Beer Can Chicken is all of this and more. Also called Drunk Chicken and Beer Butt Chicken, this is a recipe that will become a conversation piece and steal the show at any barbecue or cookout.
The chicken itself looks awfully funny propped up on a can of beer, but the idea behind the method is actually very practical. The beer adds taste and moisture to the meat so it won't dry out, and the skin ends up very crispy.
The basic instructions for cooking Beer Can Chicken are very simple, but the recipe can easily be altered to give a different flavour. Different types of beer, for example, will yield subtle variations in taste. Try anything from a light beer, to a flavourful red, to a dark and strong ale.
Adding spices and other enhancers to the beer also kicks up the taste in the finished chicken. Try adding garlic cloves, diced chilies, onion, a few drops of liquid smoke, fresh or dried herbs, hot sauces, or other spices to the beer before placing the chicken on top.
Finally, using a spice rub on the chicken before grilling contributes to the overall taste experience. Use your favourite pre-made, packaged spice rub, or make one from scratch using a combination of spices, salt, and sugar. It's a good idea to use similar spices in the rub as the ones used in the beer, for a uniform flavour throughout.
There are all kinds of gadgets and devices on the market now to make beer can chicken even easier. The trickiest part to the process is keeping the chicken upright on the grill, rather than having it tipping over. Standing it up and using its legs as a support usually works, but there are beer can chicken stands available to ensure success. If grilling isn't an option, this recipe can be cooked in the oven as well.
Beer Can Chicken
- 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds in weight
- 1 can beer (12 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons spice rub for chicken
- garlic, onion, spices, or other additions to add to the beer (optional)
Preheat grill for cooking indirectly on medium heat.
Remove the bag of giblets from the inside of the chicken, if there is one. Rinse the chicken, inside and out, with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Drink or pour out half of the beer in the can. Using a can opener, remove the entire top of the can. Add the onion, garlic, spices, herbs, or other additions if using. Set aside.
Rub the outside of the chicken with the oil, followed by the spice rub. Using your hands, massage the oil and rub into the skin of the chicken to coat completely. Holding the chicken upright, place the bird over the beer can, inserting the can into the cavity of the chicken.
Place the chicken and beer can directly on the grill, using the legs to anchor it all in place. Grill the chicken over medium, indirect heat until cooked through and juices run clear; about one and a half hours. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of about 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove chicken and beer can from grill. Allow to stand, covered in foil, for 10 minutes before serving. Remove the chicken from the can before slicing, but be careful - the can and its contents will be very hot.
Makes about 4 servings.
