Best Beer for Beer Can Chicken

Beer can chicken is a classic recipe that never goes out of style. Not only does the beer add flavor to the chicken, but it also helps to keep it moist and juicy.

However, with so many different types of beer available, it can be challenging to know which one to choose for your beer can chicken recipe. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best beer for beer can chicken.

The decision gets the better of all of us. We recently found ourselves standing in the beer aisle ourselves trying to decide what to get.

I’ll tell you a secret – it doesn’t really matter what type of beer you choose. The flavor that it imparts will be pretty mild – though you will taste it for sure. But you aren’t going to take a bite and go, “wow, that’s a Guinness chicken right there!”

You will get a subtle flavor from the beer, so you want to choose something middle of the road, but beyond that it won’t matter that much.

Some beers are more hoppy, while others are more malty or sweet. The flavor of the beer can also be influenced by the spices and herbs used in your recipe.

For example, if you’re using a lot of spicy rubs or marinades, you might want to choose a beer with a sweeter flavor to balance out the heat. On the other hand, if you’re using a lot of herbs like rosemary or thyme, a beer with a more hoppy flavor might complement those flavors nicely.

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Choosing the Best Beer for Beer Can Chicken

When it comes to beer can chicken, the type of beer you use does make a difference in the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Something totally out there will probably not be a good idea because it will impart those “out there” flavors into your chicken. But if you stick to the beers in the middle, it’ll all be great.

Popular Beer Options

Here are some popular beer options for beer can chicken:

• Bud Light: A light and crisp beer that is easy to find and affordable. It won’t give much flavor, but will keep the chicken moist.
• Guinness Stout: A dark and flavorful beer that adds a unique twist to your chicken. This is a bold choice.
• Spaten Premium Lager: A medium pale yellow beer with a mildly hopped flavor that pairs well with a variety of foods, including beer can chicken.
• Pale Ale: A mildly hoppy and flavorful ale can add a nice kick to your chicken. Don’t choose anything too hoppy or it might make the chicken bitter. Also don’t choose anything with flavoring you wouldn’t want in your chicken, like blueberry.
• Pilsner: A light and crisp beer that’s a very safe choice.
• Lager: If you can find a Mexican lager in a can, maybe give that a try.

Ultimately, the best beer for beer can chicken is the one that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different options to find the perfect flavor for your taste buds.

When it comes to flavor, there are many options to choose from. Some people prefer a light and crisp beer, while others prefer a darker and more full-bodied beer. You can also experiment with different flavors, such as fruity or sour beers, to add a unique twist to your chicken.

Light Beer vs. Dark Beer

While some people believe that dark beers are better for beer can chicken, others prefer a light beer. Ultimately, the type of beer you choose will depend on your personal preference.

Light beers, like a lager or pale ale, tend to have a milder flavor. A Mexican lager might impart more lime flavor, while an American Pale Ale would include the hoppy bitterness, fruity notes, and earthy undertones that are characteristic of pale ales. The beer can also add a slight sweetness and malty flavor to the chicken.

Dark beers are more full-bodied and flavorful. Stouts, for instance, are typically dark and rich beers that contain roasted malts, which can give the chicken a smoky, slightly bitter flavor. The beer can also add a sweetness to the chicken, as many stouts have notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. Additionally, stouts may have a creamy mouthfeel that can make the chicken more tender and juicy.

A brown ale or golden amber beer is a good choice. Brown ales typically have a nutty, caramel-like sweetness, which can complement the natural flavors of the chicken. The beer can also add a slight bitterness, as well as earthy and toasty notes.

Similarly, amber beers can add a sweet, malty flavor to the chicken, as well as a slight hoppy bitterness. Amber beers may also have fruity notes, such as apricot or peach, which can add a pleasant sweetness to the chicken.

The specific flavors that are imparted can depend on the type of brown ale or amber beer used, as different varieties may have different flavor profiles. Overall, using a brown ale or amber beer can add a rich and complex flavor to the chicken, making it a delicious and flavorful dish.

Alcohol Content

You want to choose a beer with an alcohol content not much higher than 5% ABV. Beer with a high alcohol content can add a unique flavor to your beer can chicken, but it can also cause the chicken to cook too quickly and become dry.

Most beers you will be considering will fall in the range of 3.5-5%. You likely won’t be choosing an Imperial Stout or a Wee Heavy. Beers with high alcohol content may not be suitable for beer can chicken as they may not impart enough flavor and can also be too strong for the chicken.

What Beers to Avoid for Beer Can Chicken

When making beer can chicken, it is best to avoid beers that are overly bitter or have strong flavors that may overwhelm the natural flavors of the chicken. For example, highly hopped beers like IPAs may be too bitter and overpowering for beer can chicken.

Similarly, beers with strong flavors like smoked beers or sour beers may not be the best choice as they may not pair well with the chicken. It is best to choose beers that have a balanced flavor profile and complement the natural flavors of the chicken.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to flavor and alcohol content, there are other factors to consider when choosing the best beer for your beer can chicken. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use a whole chicken for best results
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked
• Remove giblets and pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning
• Rub the chicken with a dry rub or seasoning before cooking
• Baste the chicken with beer or broth during cooking to keep it moist
• Use foil or a drip pan to catch any drippings
• Consider using a barbecue sauce or glaze for added flavor

Preparing the Beer Can Chicken

Preparing the perfect beer can chicken is a fun and easy way to impress your guests at your next barbecue. Here’s how you can make sure that your beer can chicken is the talk of the party.

Seasoning the Chicken

Before cooking the chicken, it is essential to season it properly to bring out the best flavors. You can choose to use a dry rub or a marinade, depending on your preference. Some popular seasonings for beer can chicken include cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity, to ensure that the flavor is evenly distributed.

Preparing the Beer Can

The beer can is a crucial component of beer can chicken. It helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a smoky flavor to the meat. To prepare the beer can, open a can of beer and pour out half of the liquid. You can use any type of beer, but a lager or pilsner works best. You can also add herbs and spices to the beer for extra flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

To cook the chicken, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 375°F. If you’re using a grill, set it up for indirect heat by placing a roasting pan under the grates. Brush the chicken with vegetable oil and place it on the beer can, inserting the can into the cavity of the chicken. If you’re using a grill, place the chicken on the roasting pan and add mesquite wood chips for a smoky flavor. You can also add grilled corn, potatoes, and vegetables to the roasting pan for a complete meal.

Cook the chicken for approximately 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thigh. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best beer for beer can chicken is a matter of personal preference. However, some beers are better suited for this dish than others. The key is to choose a beer that is not too hoppy or bitter, as this can overpower the taste of the chicken.

Overall, beer can chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With the right beer and seasoning, you can create a mouthwatering roast chicken that will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.