Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Smoked Beer Can Chicken is a delicious and flavorful way to cook a whole chicken. Smoking the chicken over the beer can helps keep the chicken moist while it cooks and adds a unique flavor to the meat.

I personally love smoking chicken. It’s a great way to impart a unique flavor to a meat that’s pretty bland on its own. We do it pretty frequently for get togethers. Whether you’re just smoking a whole chicken or you use this beer can chicken recipe, it turns out really nice.

Beer Can Chicken is a fun and flavorful way to cook a whole chicken. If you haven’t tried it yet, I’ll throw down the challenge. The only thing I’d recommend before you get started is to check the height of your smoker to make sure it will fit, standing upright.

I was just about to smoke my chicken on the beer can holder last weekend and realized it wouldn’t fit in my Traeger pellet grill. I had to take it over to my dad’s house to use his.

What is Smoked Beer Can Chicken?

Smoked Beer Can Chicken is a popular dish that involves cooking a whole chicken on a grill or smoker while it is perched on top of an open can of beer. The beer helps to keep the chicken moist while it is being cooked and adds some extra flavor to the chicken meat.

It’s important to choose the right beer for beer can chicken, because the flavors in the beer will be imparted on the chicken. A very hoppy beer might end up making your chicken meat bitter. We recommend sticking with a light lager or pilsner.

The concept of using a beer can to cook chicken is not new, but the addition of smoke takes this dish to a whole new level. The smoke adds a rich, smoky flavor to the chicken, which complements the beer and the spices used to season the bird.

» You might also like the Perfect Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe and Smoked Chicken Tacos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Whole chicken – Any size chicken is fine to use. My chicken was close to 6 pounds. You can use a smaller one. Just remember that the cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Olive oil – This helps the dry rub stay on the chicken and it helps for a crust on the outside of the chicken as it cooks. You can use any oil that you like.
• Chicken dry rub – We are using our homemade chicken dry rub for this recipe. You can use any chicken rub you like.
• Beer – We used a Pilsner and a Mexican lager. Both are mild-flavored beer. See notes below for more options.

Preparing the Chicken

Before smoking the chicken, it is important to prepare it properly. This involves cleaning it, seasoning the chicken, and getting it ready to be placed on the smoker.

Seasoning the Chicken

The first step in preparing the chicken is to remove the giblets and dry it off with a paper towel. You don’t need to wash the chicken, and in fact it’s a better idea not to so you don’t transfer chicken bacteria across your kitchen.

There are many different chicken or BBQ rubs available, but I prefer to make my own chicken dry rub. Feel free to follow our recipe. Mix all of the spices together in a bowl. If you have any leftover, you can put it in a container to use next time.

To apply the rub, start by coating the chicken in olive oil. This will help the rub stick to the chicken better and it gives the chicken a crispier skin once it’s cooked.

Next, sprinkle the rub over the entire chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. It can be difficult to get it into all the nooks and crevices, but keep sprinkling until yo udo. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken, ensuring that it is fully covered.

For added flavor, you can also season the inside of the chicken with the rub. To do this, simply open the cavity of the chicken and sprinkle the rub inside. Be sure to also season the skin under the wings and legs.

If you have the time, you can let the chicken sit for a few hours in the refrigerator before smoking, which will allow the rub to sink in and the flavors to fully develop.

Setting Up the Grill

Before cooking a smoked beer can chicken, it is important to properly set up the grill. Follow your smoker’s directions for starting your pellet grill.

Be sure to select the right wood chips or pellets for your chicken. Many times I just go with whatever pellets are in my Traeger, but there are some better woods to use for chicken that will impart just the right flavor that you’re seeking.

Choosing the Right Wood Chips

Here are some popular wood chip options and the flavors they can add to the chicken:

Wood Chip	Flavor
Apple	Sweet and fruity
Hickory	Strong and smoky
Mesquite	Bold and earthy
Cherry	Mild and sweet
Pecan	Nutty and sweet

Temperature Control

To properly cook a smoked beer can chicken, the grill should be set to a temperature of 225°F. It is important to monitor the temperature throughout the cooking process to ensure that it stays consistent.

Once the grill is set up and the chicken is on the grill, it is important to resist the urge to open the lid too often. Every time the lid is opened, heat and smoke escape, which can prolong the cooking time and affect the overall flavor of the dish.

By properly setting up the grill, choosing the right wood chips, and maintaining the appropriate temperature, anyone can cook a delicious smoked beer can chicken.

Cooking the Chicken

Once the smoker is preheated to 225°F, it’s time to cook the chicken. Open a can of beer and pour half of it into a glass to drink. You don’t want the beer can to be more than half full or it can overflow and make a big mess.

Place the Chicken on the Beer Can

Here are two ways to place the chicken on the beer can. I’ve cooked this chicken both ways and found that I prefer using a chicken stand, though having one isn’t necessary for great beer can chicken.

The holder has convenient handles that make it easy to carry the chicken to the smoker and there is a slot to slide the beer can down into. This makes it easier to slide the chicken onto since you aren’t worried about dumping the can over.

Place the chicken straight onto the beer can. With the beer can on a stable surface, carefully lower the chicken onto the can so that the can is inside the chicken’s cavity and the chicken is standing upright.

It’s important to make sure the chicken is balanced on the can to prevent it from tipping over during cooking. If the chicken is too large or unstable, it will have a hard time balancing on the can. That’s where a vertical roaster or other tool can be used instead.

If you’re using a chicken stand, place the beer can in the center of the stand and carefully lower the chicken onto the can.

There are many options for stands out there but I like this one because it has handles that make it easier to remove the chicken from the smoker and carry it to the house.

You might need to touch up the dry rub after you put the chicken on the can. I found that I rubbed it off in places from picking it up.

Monitoring the Temperature

Once the chicken is in the smoker, it’s important to monitor the temperature to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out. A meat thermometer can be inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (avoid touching the bone), to check the internal temperature.

The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the chicken and the smoker’s temperature.

During cooking, it’s important to resist the temptation to open the smoker too frequently, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and slow down the cooking process.

Removing the Chicken From the Can

When the chicken reaches 165° F remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes so that the juices can redistribute.

Use caution when removing the chicken from the can because everything will be hot. Gently twist the chicken off of the beer can and carve the chicken.

How to Store and Reheat Smoked Beer Can Chicken

You may be wondering how to store and reheat any leftovers. Here are some tips to help you keep your chicken fresh and tasty:

Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Be sure to put the leftovers in the fridge no more than two hours after cooking.
• If you have a lot of leftovers, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply place the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.

Reheating

• To reheat your smoked chicken, preheat your oven to 325° F.
• Wrap your chicken in foil and reheat until warmed through.
• You can also reheat your chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.

It’s important to note that reheating your chicken too many times can cause it to dry out and lose flavor. Try to only reheat what you need and avoid reheating the same chicken more than once.

What Beer is Best?

When it comes to making beer can chicken, choosing the right beer is something to think about. The beer not only adds flavor to the chicken but also helps to keep it moist during the cooking process. Here are some options to consider:

1. Lager

Lagers are a popular choice for beer can chicken. They have a light, crisp flavor that pairs well with chicken. Some popular lager brands to consider include Budweiser, Coors, and Pilsner.

2. German-style Beer

German-style beers are another good option. They have a slightly heavier flavor than lagers, but still pair well with chicken. Some popular German-style beers to consider include Hefeweizen and Dunkelweizen.

3. Craft Beer

Craft beers are a great choice for those who want to experiment with different flavors. They come in a variety of flavors and styles, so there is a craft beer for everyone. Some popular craft beers to consider include IPAs, stouts, and porters. Just keep in mind these have stronger flavors that could compete with the flavor of the chicken.

4. Non-Alcoholic Beer

For those who don’t want to use alcohol a non-alcoholic beer is a good alternative. It still adds flavor and moisture to the chicken without the alcohol content. Some popular non-alcoholic beer brands to consider include O’Doul’s and Clausthaler.

When choosing a beer, it’s important to keep in mind that the beer will be cooking with the chicken. So, it’s best to choose a beer that you would enjoy drinking on its own. Additionally, it’s important to use a can of beer that is the same size as the chicken to ensure that it cooks evenly. Avoid cans that use stickers as a label and wash your can before use.

Tips for Smoking Beer Can Chicken

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your smoked beer can chicken:

• Choose the right beer: The beer you use can have an impact on the flavor of your chicken. A light beer with a mild flavor works well, such as a pilsner or lager. Avoid using a beer with a strong flavor, as it can overpower the chicken. You can also use soda, wine, or broth.
• Use a rub: A dry rub is a great way to add flavor to your chicken. Apply the rub generously to the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin and in all the crevices. Allow the rub to sit on the chicken for at least an hour before smoking.
• Keep the temperature consistent: Consistent temperature is key when smoking beer can chicken. Keep the temperature of your smoker at 225°F. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your chicken is cooked to the proper temperature, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
• Let it rest: After removing the chicken from the smoker, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken.
• Experiment with different flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings. Try adding herbs, spices, or even fruit to the beer can for a unique flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

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