Beer Can Chicken

This beer can chicken recipe is rubbed in a flavorful spice mixture and then baked over a can of beer that infuses both flavor and moisture.

Why this recipe works

Beer can chicken is a simple concept. It’s essentially a whole chicken that’s cooked propped over a can of beer. As the chicken bakes, the beer in the can heats up and releases steam. This steam rises and infuses the chicken from the inside, keeping the meat juicy, tender, and flavorful. Meanwhile, the outside of the chicken is exposed to the heat of the oven leaving you with perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin.

If the pictures alone don’t sell you on how delicious a whole chicken can be when baked and stuffed with a can of beer, you’ll just have to give it a try yourself. It might seem silly, but there’s a reason it’s so popular!

COOL FIND! We found this beer can chicken holder and thought it was pretty nifty. I like this idea because you don’t have to worry about your chicken falling over while it cooks, plus it’s budget friendly!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BEER – The type of beer you use can influence the flavor of your chicken. Light lagers are the most common choice because they don’t overpower the chicken’s natural flavors. However, feel free to experiment with different types of beer or even other beverages such as cola or non-alcoholic beer.

CHICKEN – You’ll need a whole chicken, weighing around 6 pounds. Make sure it’s cleaned and the cavity is empty.

SEASONING – We used a combination of olive oil, brown sugar, chili powder, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and garlic salt to make a flavor-packed rub. You can substitute with your favorite blend of spices and seasonings if preferred.

How to Make Beer Can Chicken

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Remove center rack.
2. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, chili powder, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and garlic salt. Stir until completely combined.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the chicken.
4. Pour out (or drink!) a little of the beer from the can. You don’t want the can to be completely full to avoid overflow during the cooking process. Place the can of beer onto the center of the baking sheet.
5. Before lifting the chicken, open the cavity between the legs and make sure to stretch it open wide. Carefully lift the chicken and position the open cavity over the beer can.
6. Bake for 90 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Remove can from chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Technically, the beer can chicken method would work with just about any liquid. Chicken broth, apple cider, carbonated sodas, wine, even non-alcoholic beer. The list goes on and on. I don’t know the exact science behind it, but many people swear by carbonated beverages when it comes to this method of cooking chicken.

Chicken is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F on an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the meat, typically in the breast or the innermost portion of the thigh.

Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350F oven until warmed through, typically around 20 minutes for a whole chicken (though it’ll likely be less time if you are only reheating a small portion).

Serving Suggestions

Serve beer can chicken with baked beans, corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes to name a few. And of course, it pairs well with a freshly cracked cold one. Enjoy!

More Chicken Recipes

• Roasted Chicken
• Spatchcock Chicken
• Crockpot Sticky Chicken
• Air Fryer Fried Chicken
• Jerk Chicken
• Smoked Beer Can Chicken

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