Bacon-Wrapped Beer Can Chicken: Juicy, Crispy, and Smoked With Bacon and Beer From the Inside Out

Bacon-Wrapped Beer Can Chicken is pure backyard indulgence — a whole chicken roasted upright over a can of beer, completely wrapped in smoky bacon that crisps as the bird steams from within.

It’s crispy outside, juicy inside, and packed with flavor from the bacon fat basting and beer vapor infusion. Perfect for grilling glory, weekend smoke sessions, or feeding a crowd with serious flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 whole chicken (3½–5 lbs), giblets removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
• 1 can (12 oz) beer (lager, amber ale, or wheat beer — malty and smooth)
• 10–12 slices bacon (regular cut, not thick)
• Optional: crushed garlic or rosemary sprigs inside beer can

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry. Rub all over with olive oil or butter.
2. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and cayenne into a dry rub. Massage over the whole bird, including under the skin.

Step 2: Wrap with Bacon

1. Wrap the chicken in overlapping slices of bacon — over the breast, around the legs, and down the back.
2. Secure loose ends with toothpicks if needed, especially on the underside or wings.

Step 3: Prep the Beer Can

1. Open the beer and pour out (or drink) about ¼.
2. Add optional garlic or herbs to the can.
3. Mount the chicken upright on the can so it stands like a tripod.

Step 4: Grill or Roast

• Grill: Preheat to 375–400°F over indirect heat. Place the bird over a drip pan.
• Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Place the upright chicken on a roasting pan lined with foil.

Step 5: Cook

1. Roast for 70–90 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
2. Broil or sear briefly at the end for extra bacon crisp if needed.
3. Rest 10–15 minutes. Carefully remove the can before carving.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted corn, or mac & cheese
• Use in sandwiches with BBQ sauce and slaw
• Chop into loaded baked potatoes or wraps
• Add to a grill platter with pickles, buns, and chipotle mayo

Beer Pairing

In the Can

• Lager, amber ale, or wheat beer — mild, malty, bacon-friendly
• Avoid overly hoppy or dark beers — can become bitter or too rich

In Your Glass

• Same beer you used to steam
• Brown ale or bock for sweet, malty balance
• Pale ale or red ale for contrast with smoky bacon
• Smoked beer (rauchbier) if you want to go full bacon-forward

Final Thoughts

Bacon-Wrapped Beer Can Chicken is smoky, tender, and loaded with crisp, beer-steamed flavor — a grill showstopper that feeds a crew and drops jaws when it hits the table. It’s bold, it’s messy, and it’s everything beer and bacon should be.

Cheers to crispy strips, juicy birds, and beer in every delicious layer! 🥓🍗🍺🔥

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.