It’s seriously fool-proof.
Beer can chicken is our secret to incredibly juicy, flavorful meat every time.
What Kind of Beer Is Best for Beer Can Chicken?
Credit:Rachel Marek. Prop Styling: Gabe Greco
Like cooking with wine, you want to choose something you enjoy drinking.
Lager is a great place to start.
It has a mild flavor that many people enjoy.
Credit:Blaine Moats
)canbeer
1(3 1/2 to 4-lb.)
Discard about half of the beer from the can.
Add 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture to the half-empty can (beer will foam up).
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Prep Chicken
Rinse chicken body cavity; pat dry with paper towels.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture inside cavity.
Add melted butter to the remaining spice mixture in bowl; mix well.
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Pull the chicken legs forward so the bird rests on its legs and the can.
Twist wing tips behind back.
Stuff the 1 lemon wedge into neck cavity to seal in steam.
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Brush butter mixture over outside of chicken.
Test Kitchen Tip:To grill the chicken without the beer can, prepare chicken as directed.
Place chicken, breast side up, on grill rack over drip pan.
Credit:Blaine Moats
Cover and grill as directed.
Grill
For a charcoal grill, arrange medium-hot coals around a drip pan.
Test for medium heat above pan.
Stand chicken upright on grill rack over drip pan.
If necessary to prevent overbrowning, cover chicken loosely with foil.
(For a gas grill, preheat grill.
Reduce heat to medium.
Adjust for indirect cooking.
Grill as above, removing upper grill racks if necessary so chicken will stand upright.)
Cover with foil; let stand for 10 minutes.
It may help to have two people for this step.
Keep plenty of towels on hand for easy clean up!
If desired, serve with additional lemon wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes!
For soda, colas work best, though you’re free to use ginger ale as well.
For juice we suggest apple or pineapple juice.
Any key in of broth is ok to use, choose from chicken, beef, or vegetable.
2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
