Pineapple Teriyaki Beer Can Chicken: Juicy, Glazed, and Infused With Tropical Sweet-Savory Flavor

Pineapple Teriyaki Beer Can Chicken is a juicy, island-inspired twist on the backyard classic — whole chicken roasted over a beer can and glazed with a sticky, sweet-savory teriyaki pineapple sauce.

As it cooks, the beer steams the meat from the inside while the glaze caramelizes on the skin, giving you tender, fall-off-the-bone flavor with just the right hint of tropical heat.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 whole chicken (3½–5 lbs), giblets removed
• 2 tbsp neutral oil or melted butter
• 1 can (12 oz) light beer (lager, blonde ale, or wheat beer)
• Optional for steam: 2 tbsp pineapple juice + 1 garlic clove in the can

Pineapple Teriyaki Glaze

• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry to thicken)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Glaze

1. In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook 3–5 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry. Rub all over with oil or butter.
2. Lightly season with salt and pepper or use a sweet-savory rub (optional: garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar).
3. Open beer can, pour out ¼, and add pineapple juice or garlic if using.
4. Mount chicken over the beer can so it stands upright.

Step 3: Grill or Roast

• Grill: Preheat grill to medium (375–400°F), set for indirect heat. Place chicken upright over drip pan.
• Oven: Preheat to 400°F. Place chicken upright on a baking sheet or roasting pan.

Step 4: Cook & Glaze

1. Roast for 60–80 minutes, until the internal temp hits 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
2. In the last 15–20 minutes, brush with glaze every 5–10 minutes for a lacquered, sticky finish.
3. Let rest 10–15 minutes before carefully removing the can and carving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled pineapple slices, coconut rice, or teriyaki-glazed veggies
• Slice for pineapple-chicken tacos or tropical wraps
• Serve on a summer BBQ board with mango salsa and sweet chili sauce
• Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or fresh cilantro

Beer Pairing

In the Can

• Light lager, blonde ale, or wheat beer — clean and neutral to let the glaze shine
• Cream ale or Kölsch works well too
• Avoid hoppy IPAs — bitterness fights the sweet glaze

In Your Glass

• Same beer used inside
• Hefeweizen or fruited wheat beer (pineapple, passionfruit, citrus)
• Pilsner or Vienna lager for light malt balance
• Saison or tropical pale ale for an herbal-citrus finish

Final Thoughts

Pineapple Teriyaki Beer Can Chicken is sweet, sticky, juicy, and beer-built — the kind of backyard centerpiece that brings bold flavor and island energy to every bite. It’s easy to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to become a repeat crowd-pleaser.

Cheers to caramelized glaze, tropical steam, and beer in every slice! 🍍🍗🍺🔥

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