9 Beer Can Chicken Recipes: Suds and Spuds Supper

Using beer when grilling or roasting is a great way to keep your meat moist. It also doubles as a chicken holder!

Try any beer can chicken recipe on this list while enjoying a delicious cold beer.

Our 9 Favorite Beer Can Chicken Recipes

While there is a traditional way of making beer can chicken, we’ve made sure to look for a variety of them.

Each beer can chicken recipe on this list will surely add a twist without the flare-ups.

We’re sure you’ll find a great recipe for beer can chicken on this list.

1: Pat’s Beer-Can Grilled Chicken Recipe

Source: The Food Network

Ingredients

For the Beer Can Chicken Rub

  • Cayenne pepper (1 tablespoon)
  • Ground cumin (1 tablespoon)
  • Dried thyme (1 tablespoon)
  • Smoked paprika (2 tablespoons)
  • Kosher Salt  (2 tablespoons)
  • Onion powder (2 tablespoons)
  • Dried thyme (2 tablespoons)
  • Dried oregano (2 tablespoons)
  • Black pepper (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic powder (2 tablespoons)

For the Chicken

  • 4 pounds of chicken (washed and dried)
  • Vegetable oil
  • Chicken rub
  • 1 12-ounce can of beer

Instructions

  1. Mix all seasonings in a small bowl. Store any extra seasoning for up to 6 months in an airtight container.
  2. Preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat.
  3. Cover all crevices with vegetable oil and rub the mixture.
  4. Pour out 1/4 of your beer. Sit the chicken on top of the beer can.
  5. Place the chicken on the grill and cover.
  6. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours on the grill or until the instant-read thermometer reads 165ºF.
  7. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill. Discard the beer can. Loosely cover with foil and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

2: Cajun-Style Beer Can Chicken Recipe

Source: The Stay Home Chef

Ingredients

  • Thyme (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • White pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Oregano (1 teaspoon)
  • Basil (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Paprika (2 teaspoons)
  • 3.5 pounds of whole chicken
  • Olive oil  (1 tablespoon)
  • 12-ounce canned beer room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  2. Mix the spices into a bowl.
  3. Drizzle olive oil onto the chicken and rub the spice mixture on. Make sure you get it under the skin.
  4. Pour 1/4 of the beer into your pan. Set the can in the center and carefully set the chicken upright on top of the can.
  5. Roast on the lowest rack of your oven for 75 to 105 minutes.
  6. Once cooked, let it rest for 15 minutes. Remove the can and carve the meat. Drizzle the juices onto the carved meat.

3: Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe

Source: The Stay Home Chef

Ingredients

  • Thyme (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • White pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Oregano (1 teaspoon)
  • Basil (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Paprika (2 teaspoons)
  • 3.5 pounds of whole chicken
  • Olive oil  (1 tablespoon)
  • 12-ounce canned beer, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat the smoker to 275ºF before mixing spices and applying them to the chicken.
  2. Smoke at 275ºF for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until chicken is at 165ºF.
  3. Transfer the chicken onto a plate and rest for 10 minutes before carving.

4: Chinese Beer Can Chicken Recipe

Source: Cookipedia

NOTE: This recipe needs to be prepared in advance!

Ingredients

For Marinade

  • Boiling water
  • Light soy sauce (1/2 cup)
  • Dark soy sauce (1/2 cup)
  • 5-7 whole star anise
  • Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
  • Chili flakes (1 tablespoon)

For Chicken

  • 1 large whole chicken
  • 12-ounce canned beer
  • Sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Remove giblets from the chicken. Rinse inside and out under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Add chicken onto a large pan and cover 3/4 with boiling water. Add other ingredients for the marinade and mix properly.
  3. Refrigerate once cooled and leave to marinade for 12 hours. Turn a few times to have it evenly covered.
  4. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  5. Brush marinated chicken with sesame oil. Seal the neck by folding it over and skewering it with skewers or cocktail sticks.
  6. Pour out about 1/4 of your beer and set it on a baking tray. Have the chicken sitting upright on the can.
  7. Place the baking tray at the bottom of the oven. Bake for 30 minutes and reduce heat to 350ºF. Cook for 1.5 hours.
  8. After baking, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

5: Mexican-Style Beer Can Chicken

Source: McCormick

Ingredients

  • Chili powder (1/2 tablespoon)
  • Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
  • Coriander (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
  • Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Whole chicken
  • Lime Juice
  • Cilantro

Instructions

  1. Mix all spices and preheat your charcoal grill. Use the side of the grill for free charcoal.
  2. Rub spices onto the chicken.
  3. Pour about 1/4 of the beer out onto your pan. Set the can in the center and place the chicken onto the can.
  4. Roast the chicken on the grill for 75 to 105 minutes. Indirect heat is recommended to keep the chicken from drying out.
  5. After taking the cooked chicken off the grill, add lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

6: Beer Can Chicken With Citrus BBQ Sauce Recipe

Source: Made by Nashish

Ingredients

  • 2 whole chicken, fat trimmed
  • Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
  • 2 12-ounce beer can
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 lemon peel, cut into 1-inch strips
  • Citrus BBQ sauce (2 cups)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Citrus BBQ Sauce:

  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Dijon mustard (1 1/2 tablespoons)
  • Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons)
  • Orange zest (2 tablespoons)
  • Honey (1/4 cups)
  • Lemon juice (1/4 cup)
  • Orange juice (1 cup)
  • Ketchup (2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Combine the ingredients of BBQ sauce in a saucepan. Cook sauce for 15 minutes on medium heat.
  2. Preheat the charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Use the side of the grill for your free charcoal.
  3. Rub chickens with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add garlic and lemon peels to the beer can for extra flavor.
  4. Set chicken on the half-full beer cans.
  5. Cook chicken on the grill for 45 minutes. Put it on the cool side for indirect heat.
  6. After taking it off the grill, brush it with Citrus BBQ Sauce. Cook for 10 more minutes or until the internal temperature is at 165ºF.
  7. Let them rest for 10 minutes before carving.

7: Baked Beer Can Chicken

Source: AllRecipes

Ingredients

  • Ground pepper (1 1/2 teaspoons)
  • Kosher salt (1 tablespoon)
  • Dried oregano (1 tablespoon)
  • Onion powder (2 tablespoons)
  • Seasoned salt (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic powder (1/4 cup)
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 2 12-ounce can of light-flavored beer
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 4 green onions, cut in half crosswise

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
  2. Mix spices into a small bowl and set aside.
  3. Place the half-full can of beer on the baking sheet.
  4. Rinse chicken in cold running water. Discard giblets and neck before draining and patting dry.
  5. Place chicken on the beer can. Cut small slits on each side and press the tip of each wing into the slit.
  6. Rub seasoning and green onion slices on the entire chicken for flavor. Press onion halves on the top cavity. Pour half of the other can into the pan and set aside.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes. Pour the remaining beer to prevent making the chicken dry. Once cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. It should read 180ºF.
  8. Remove from the oven and discard the beer can. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

8: Cilantro Lime Beer Can Chicken

Source: Glitter and Graze

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken
  • 1 can of lime-flavored beer
  • 3 limes
  • Chopped cilantro (1/2 cup)
  • Softened butter (2 tablespoons)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)

Seasoning

  • Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
  • Cumin (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Paprika(1 teaspoon)
  • Chili powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Garlic powder (2 teaspoons)
  • Salt (3 teaspoons)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Mix the seasoning. Use 1/4 of it to mix into softened butter.
  3. Rub the butter mixture on the chicken. Add cilantro and lime slices under the skin for extra flavor.
  4. Rub half of the olive oil and seasoning onto half of the chicken. Repeat with the other half.
  5. Pour 1/4 of the beer and set it in the middle of the baking pan. Place the chicken on top.
  6. Bake it for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  7. Let it rest before carving.

9: Sweet & Spicy Beer Can Chicken

Source: Jamie Oliver

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken
  • Olive oil
  • 12-ounce can of beer
  • Barbecue sauce (2 tablespoons)
  • Fresh chili (1 tablespoon)
  • Spring onions, trimmed
  • Cilantro

Dry Rub

  • Cumin seeds (1 teaspoon)
  • Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon)
  • Cilantro seeds (1 tablespoon)
  • Fennel seeds (1 tablespoon)
  • Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  2. Crush and mix the ingredients for the rub.
  3. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil before rubbing spices on it.
  4. Pour out 2/3 of your beer and place it on the tray. Position the chicken on top of it.
  5. Cook for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until golden.
  6. Brush with barbecue sauce.

Exploring Beer Can Chicken Methods

Beer can chicken is an incredibly versatile dish, suitable for cooking across multiple appliances, including grills, air fryers, smokers, and ovens.

Below, we’ll break down how to master these classic recipes above using various cooking methods, along with tips and tricks to elevate your beer can chicken experience.

Beer Can Chicken on the Grill

Grilling is one of the most traditional ways to make beer can chicken. Grills, particularly gas and charcoal, are ideal for achieving a smoky, crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender inside.

To make the best beer can chicken on the grill:

  • Gas Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat (around 375ºF). Place the chicken over indirect heat for 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Charcoal Grill: Set up a two-zone fire. Place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill and cook for 75 to 90 minutes.

The key to success is maintaining an even temperature and ensuring the chicken doesn’t flare up from direct flames.

Beer Can Chicken in an Air Fryer

For a quicker and more hands-off approach, you can make beer can chicken in the air fryer:

  • Use a small or spatchcocked chicken to fit in your air fryer.
  • Cook at 375ºF for about 45 to 50 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking.
  • This method produces a juicy, crispy chicken in less time than traditional grilling.

Beer Can Chicken in a BBQ Smoker

Smoking beer can chicken takes it to the next level with an infusion of smoky flavors:

  • Preheat your smoker to 275ºF and use wood chips like hickory, applewood, or cherry for added depth of flavor.
  • Smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF in the thickest part of the chicken.

This low-and-slow method ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.

Beer Can Chicken in a Crockpot

Yes, you can make beer can chicken in a crockpot! While you lose the crispy skin, this method guarantees tender and juicy chicken:

  • Place a half-full beer can inside the crockpot and rest the chicken upright on top.
  • Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.

This is perfect for set-it-and-forget-it meals and easily incorporates vegetables at the bottom for a complete dish.

Beer Can Chicken in the Electric Smoker

An electric smoker offers precision in temperature control, making it an excellent option for consistent results:

  • Set your smoker to 275ºF and place the chicken directly on the rack with a drip tray underneath.
  • Smoke for 3 hours or until the internal temperature hits 165ºF.

Beer Can Chicken in the Oven with Vegetables

For a one-pan meal, beer can chicken in the oven with vegetables is a great choice. Here’s how:

  • Preheat your oven to 375ºF.
  • Surround the beer can chicken with chopped root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions).
  • Roast for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is golden brown.

This method is perfect for an easy, hearty dinner.

Recipe Variations for Beer Can Chicken

Beyond the classic approach, there are many ways to customize beer can chicken with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some exciting variations to try:

Beer Can Jerk Chicken

For a Caribbean twist, try beer can jerk chicken. Use a jerk marinade made from Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and scallions.

The spicy, smoky jerk seasoning pairs perfectly with the beer-steamed chicken.

Gluten-Free Beer Can Chicken

If you’re gluten intolerant, there’s no need to skip beer can chicken! Opt for gluten-free beer, such as those made from sorghum or rice.

The cooking method remains the same, but you’ll have a safe, delicious meal without the gluten.

Beer Can Chicken Without Beer

Don’t drink beer? No problem! You can substitute beer with other liquids like apple cider, ginger ale, or even chicken broth.

This still provides the steaming effect, and the chicken will come out moist and flavorful without alcohol.

Cilantro Lime Beer Can Chicken

Infuse your chicken with bright, zesty flavors by using a lime-flavored beer or simply adding fresh lime and cilantro under the skin before cooking.

This citrusy variation adds a refreshing touch, perfect for summer barbecues.

Beer Can Chicken Tools and Accessories

To achieve the best beer can chicken, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Beer Can Chicken Holder

A beer can chicken holder is a must-have tool for stability. It ensures that the chicken stays upright during the entire cooking process, minimizing the risk of tipping. Some holders even come with trays to collect drippings for gravy or veggies.

Beer Can Chicken Brine and Marinades

Brining your chicken in a solution of salt, sugar, and herbs before cooking is a foolproof way to lock in moisture and flavor.

Alternatively, marinating the chicken in your favorite spices, citrus juices, or barbecue sauce before cooking adds extra depth of flavor.

Beer Can Chicken Dry Rub

A dry rub of spices is another way to elevate beer can chicken. Popular dry rub ingredients include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

Simply rub the mixture onto the chicken before cooking for a burst of flavor.

Leftover Beer Can Chicken Ideas

Wondering what to do with leftover beer can chicken? Here are a few ideas to repurpose your meal:

  • Tacos: Shred the leftover chicken and make tacos with fresh salsa, avocado, and lime.
  • Chicken Salad: Use the leftover meat in a hearty chicken salad with celery, grapes, and mayo.
  • Chicken Soup: Make a comforting chicken soup by simmering the leftover chicken with broth and vegetables.

Beer Can Chicken Sides and Meals

Beer can chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, depending on your flavor profile.

Here are some meal ideas to complete your beer can chicken dinner:

  • Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and corn are excellent grilled sides.
  • Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad complements the rich flavors of beer can chicken.
  • Cornbread: For a Southern-style meal, serve your chicken with buttery cornbread.

You can also use your beer can chicken to make sandwiches, wraps, or even chicken dip for parties.

Beer can chicken is an adaptable, flavorful dish that works in any kitchen setup, from grilling to smoking to air frying.

With so many variations—like jerk seasoning, gluten-free options, and unique marinades—there’s a beer can chicken recipe for everyone.

And don’t forget the importance of using a good chicken holder and pairing the dish with delicious sides.

Try one of the methods or variations above and enjoy a delicious, moist chicken meal tonight!

Frequently Asked Questions

You might have more on having the perfectly cooked beer can chicken.

Here are some of the commonly asked questions about this dish. Make sure to read through them before you start cooking.

What Temperature Should the Whole Chicken Be Done At?

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken meat is 165ºF for breasts and 170ºF for thighs.

Ensure that the inside of the chicken isn’t pink and the juices run clear. It’s another way to tell if the chicken is perfectly cooked.

When measuring with a meat thermometer, ensure it’s inserted into the thickest part.

What Temperature Should the Grill Be for Beer Can Chicken?

You’d normally preheat the grill on medium heat for 45 to 60 minutes. It should help the grill reach 325 to 375ºF, the ideal range for cooking beer can chicken.

NOTE: Cooking time on a grill depends on the size of your chicken. We recommend using a probe thermometer.

Can I Make Beer Can Chicken in the Oven?

Source: Unsplash

YES! You can make a beer can of chicken in the oven.

We recommend using a large roasting pan and baking it at 350ºF for 65 minutes. You’ll have a flavorful and tender chicken out of the oven.

What’s the Best Beer to Use for Beer Can Chicken?

You can use any kind of beer for beer can chicken. The beer is used to keep your chicken moist while dry roasting outside. No need for fancy beer.

Lager or lighter ale is the best beer if you want a mild but flavorful result.

What Are the Best Sides for Beer Can Chicken?

Source: Unsplash

Beer can chicken is absolutely delicious with grilled veggies and mashed potatoes. It can also depend on the recipe and style of cooking.

Checking the nutrition information should help you balance your sides.

Conclusion

You can enjoy beer can chicken with your friends and family while cooking at an outdoor grill or in your cozy kitchen. It’s a great dish, especially if you love chicken.

Hopefully, you can try out some of these recipes the next time you cook chicken.

Explore the world of culinary delights with these beer can chicken recipes! From the sizzle of the grill to the aromatic spices blending with the subtle beer undertones, it's a journey of flavors waiting to unfold. Each image is a chapter in this gourmet story, showcasing the fun, the process, and the glorious result of home-cooked perfection. Cheers to adventures in cooking!

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