Mexican-Style Beer Can Chicken: Spiced, Juicy, and Roasted With Lime, Chili, and Cold Cerveza

Mexican-Style Beer Can Chicken is smoky, citrusy, and absolutely packed with flavor — rubbed with chili, cumin, and lime, then roasted over a can of Mexican beer until the meat is fall-apart tender and the skin turns crisp and golden.

It’s ideal for slicing, shredding, and stuffing into tacos, bowls, or burritos — or carving straight off the grill with cold beers and hot tortillas on standby.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 whole chicken (3½–5 lbs), giblets removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 can (12 oz) Mexican lager (Modelo, Pacifico, Tecate, or similar)
• 1 lime, zested and halved
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• Optional: fresh cilantro or jalapeño slices (inside beer can)

Mexican Spice Rub

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry. Rub all over with olive oil or butter.
2. Mix spice rub in a small bowl. Rub generously over the whole bird — including under the skin and inside the cavity.
3. Squeeze lime halves into the cavity, then stuff them inside the bird. Let sit while you prep the grill or oven.

Step 2: Prep the Beer Can

1. Open beer and pour out (or drink) about ¼.
2. Add smashed garlic, cilantro, lime juice, or a jalapeño slice into the can for bonus steam flavor.
3. Mount chicken on the beer can so it stands upright, like a tripod.

Step 3: Grill or Roast

• Grill: Preheat to 375–400°F over indirect heat. Place chicken over a drip pan and close the lid.
• Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Place upright chicken on a baking sheet or roasting pan.

Step 4: Cook

1. Roast 60–80 minutes, or until internal temp hits 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
2. Carefully remove the can. Let chicken rest 10–15 minutes before carving or shredding.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice or shred for tacos, tostadas, burrito bowls, or quesadillas
• Serve with rice, grilled corn, beans, guacamole, and salsa
• Drizzle with chipotle crema, lime mayo, or hot sauce
• Add to a Mexican-inspired board with cotija, pickled onions, and tortillas

Beer Pairing

In the Can

• Light Mexican lager or golden ale — clean, crisp, and great for steaming
• Avoid dark stouts or hoppy IPAs — they clash with the chili-lime spice

In Your Glass

• Same lager used in the can
• Michelada-style beer with lime, salt, and hot sauce
• Vienna lager or amber ale with grilled sides
• Wheat beer or citrus-forward pale ale with spicy toppings

Final Thoughts

Mexican-Style Beer Can Chicken is spicy, juicy, and totally versatile — it carves like a feast, shreds like taco meat, and tastes like backyard comfort with a lime wedge and cold cerveza. It’s your new go-to for grilling with Latin flair and beer in the spotlight.

Cheers to chili rubs, cerveza steam, and tacos in every bite! 🌮🍗🍺🔥

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