Beer Can Chicken

SERVES: 4

COOK TIME: 1 Hr

Saucy and flavorful, this easy recipe for a barbecue classic, Beer Can Chicken, will have everyone raving about this tender and moist grill favorite! Be sure to watch the video to see how you can end up with one of the most tender and moist chickens you've ever tasted!

What You'll Need

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 (12-ounce) can beer, half of beer removed
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (3- to 3-1/2-pound) whole chicken

What to Do

Preheat grill to medium heat. Add barbecue sauce to beer can.
In a small bowl, combine basil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix well and rub evenly over chicken.
Place cavity of chicken over beer can so that chicken is sitting on can, then carefully place can (with chicken on it) on rack in center of grill.
Cover grill and cook 1 to 1-1/4 hours, or until no pink remains in chicken and its juices run clear. Pour remaining sauce from can into a bowl, and serve with chicken.

Notes

No grill? No problem! This can also be cooked in a 350 degree oven for 1 to 1-1/4 hours, or until no pink remains in the chicken.
While the grill is hot, why not throw on some veggies for a homestyle go-along that'll have your gang asking for seconds!
Why not add some delicious German Coleslaw to your plate?

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thegerdemans 44100 66

May 18, 2015

I make this a couple times a summer. It helps if you have a beer can holder that's made for this purpose, so it stays standing. It is an easy recipe and very good and juicy!

jynx

Jun 19, 2015

I have 2 beer can holders, one for my oven and one for the outdoor grill, both are well used! My family loves this recipe.

janiceclover2000 5 167526

Apr 10, 2015

We tried the beer can chicken and it was delicious but the skin was tough where did we go wrong?

douglasdherbert

Jun 19, 2015

Janice, I make this all the time, and find that just a spritzer of oil on the chicken every 10-15 min. will keep the skin moist and tender throughout the cooking. I have also basted it with a ton of different things while cooking to help that exact problem. Just use your imagination as to what tastes you might like on the skin, mix it up and just baste from time to time.

Jmhoff66 2497115

Jul 03, 2014

How much longer would you leave the chicken on the grill for a chicken weighing 4 pound or more?

douglasdherbert

Jun 19, 2015

Just watch the temp and recommended cooking to 165 degrees F.

douglasdherbert

Jun 19, 2015

Probably only 10 min or so. If you can, use a thermometer and wait till it is close to 165 degrees F. Otherwise, just do as it says, and poke it, and make sure the juices run clear.

marieou812

Jun 28, 2014

Chicken was so good and juicy, great flavor. Cooked in oven using the Blue Jean chef's upright roasting pan w/ sliced red potatoes & onions.

padget24

Jun 24, 2014

If this is done in the oven, do you cover it?

Test Kitchen Team

Jun 25, 2014

No, you don't have to cover the chicken in the oven.

cpeterkin17 673890 8

Jun 23, 2014

try it with lemon aid or ice tea very good to

joker

Jul 17, 2013

i put 4 oz. of teryaki sause and 7 galic cloves and half can of beer and WOW ...smack yo mama good !!!!!!!!!!!

Test Kitchen Team

Jul 18, 2013

Thank you for your comments joker! You cracked us all up in the Test Kitchen!

cken

Jul 22, 2011

I use chicken broth in the beer can that I have seasoned with onion and garlic powder, poultry seasoning, seasoned salt and a cut up lemon. It really doesn't seem to matter what is in the can as long as there is a liquid to keep the chicken moist.

lrclark62 9119742

May 29, 2011

You can find a special folding rack that, when set up locks, place the beer can in the center and then set the cavity of the chicken over the upright part of the special rack. This can be put in a baking pan or dish and done in the oven, as well, at 375 degrees. Also, instead of the barbecue sauce and spices mentioned, use your own favorite meat spice rub and rub this into the chicken and then grill or bake.

brazilli2003 37853 33

Jan 14, 2011

If you don't have beer, ginger ale, sprite or 7 up works too.

Member 2063855

May 26, 2010

have tried other beer can chicken but this recipe is terrific we were very happy with the taste and all thank you its the best beer can chicken ever

Lisa Morelli

Apr 26, 2010

First Beer Can recipe I ever made was Mr.Food's and I have never gone back to regular roasting since then. I make in the oven or on the grill. Sometimes use ginger ale or cola. Comes out moist, juicy, and flavorful every time.