Simple Beer Can Chicken Recipe

Beer Can Chicken

"You Want To Put What Where?"

Hmm... Lets see, I really like beer , chicken goes great with beer, how can I possibly get the two together and into my system faster?

I know, I'll shove this can of beer right up the old wazoo of this chicken, prop it up on the grill, sip my beer and watch it fry.

This is a classic example of male thinking at its finest.

Not saying the recipe for beer can chicken was not invented by a woman, (since the origins are unknown) I just don't picture a group of women standing around a grill, drinking beer out of can and, thinking it would be a good idea to stick a can of beer up the butt of a chicken.

Had to be a Guy.

Regardless of who came up with idea of a chicken on a beer can, it is an great way to enjoy barbeque chicken. The end result is some of the most moist tender and flavorful chicken you will ever have. It will be the hit of any backyard barbeque.

Barbeque Beer Can Chicken Recipe

This cooking method uses an outdoor grill. You can cook a beer can chicken in the oven, I’ve just never done it.

Things you need:

Beer - 1/2 can per chicken. What type is up to you. I say buy what you like to drink.
Chicken - 3 1/2 to 4 pounds per chicken. Each chicken will feed 1-4 people (all depending upon appetite).
Barbeque Rub - There are numerous excellent rubs available. Making your own is an option.
Olive oil - I prefer olive you can however use vegetable oil.
Salt and pepper - For added seasoning and browning.
Grill - Gas or charcoal.
Meat thermometer - Hopefully definition not needed.

Preperation

The best thing about having a beer can chicken barbecue is you only need 1/2 a beer per chicken, so the most obvious thing to do with the first half is to drink it.

Next, take and poke some holes in either the sides or top of your beer can.

Wash your chicken and pat it dry. Brush the olive oil over the outside of the chicken.

Now take your barbeque rub and pat it on the chicken coating both top and bottom of the bird.

Sprinkle/grind salt and pepper over the rub. Optionally, just add the salt and pepper to the rub.

Put some of the remaining rub (about a tablespoon) into the half full can of beer.

Hold the chicken upright and lower it over the beer can, inserting can into chicken cavity. Position the legs to form a tripod to help support the chicken on the grill.

Place chicken in indirect heat on a preheated grill.

The object is to slow cook the chicken, so temperature settings will vary depending upon your grill. You’re basically on a low to medium setting.

Chicken is done when your thermometer reads at least 165 degrees when inserted into the breast. Takes between 1 to 1-1/2 Hrs.

Here is a video from Stubbs that goes over what I just explained.

It's as easy as that.

About the only real learning curve here is getting your grill to the right temperature. If this is your first attempt I recommend a higher grill temp to start with (No less than 300 degrees). After a few times you'll know what your grill cooks best at, (techniques obviously vary between gas and charcoal grills).

With the growing popularity of this backyard favorite come products available for purchase helping to make this process even easier.

A beer can chicken stand like the one in the video will make sure your chicken stays upright on the grill.

This recipe along with optional grilling accessories will transform you into the master of the grill. Time To Get Grilling.

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