Beer can chicken is a popular way to cook a whole chicken on the grill. The beer can inserted into the chicken’s cavity helps the chicken cook evenly and adds flavor. However, one of the challenges with beer can chicken is getting it to stand upright on the grill without falling over.
Why Make Beer Can Chicken Stand Up?
There are a few key reasons why you want the beer can chicken to stand upright:
- Cooks evenly – With the chicken standing vertically, the heat in the grill circulates all around and inside the chicken for even cooking.
- Juicy and moist – The beer in the can steams and bastes the chicken from the inside out.
- Flavor – The beer, herbs, and spices added to the can infuse the chicken with extra taste.
- Presentation – A standing chicken looks more attractive when serving.
If the chicken falls over, it won’t cook as evenly or get as much flavor from the beer and seasonings. So getting it to stand up straight is key.
How to Make Beer Can Chicken Stand Up
Here are some tips and tricks to keep beer can chicken upright:
Use a beer can chicken stand
A purpose-made beer can chicken stand is the easiest method for keeping the bird upright. Stands are widely available to buy or can be homemade. They have a base that sits on the grill and two circular holders for inserting the chicken and beer can. This keeps everything stable and prevents tipping. Stands are very reliable and don’t require any special can preparation.
Balance the chicken carefully
Without a stand, you’ll need to carefully balance the chicken over the beer can. Make sure the chicken is sitting straight up and down rather than slanted to one side. You can truss the chicken or tie the legs together with cooking twine to increase stability. Test the balance before placing on the grill.
Weight the bottom of the can
Adding extra weight to the bottom of the beer can helps lower the center of gravity. This makes the chicken less likely to topple over. You can add a few simple items inside the can:
- Sand, salt or gravel – Add 1-2 inches in the bottom of the can
- Marbles
- Washers or nuts
- A few batteries
The extra weight at the bottom keeps the can firmly planted on the grill.
Partially crush the can
Crushing the bottom half of the beer can flattens it out so it sits more stably. To crush, place the unopened beer can on a solid surface. Press down firmly on the can, crushing the bottom and lower sides. The flattened shape provides a wider base for the chicken to stand on.
Use an empty vegetable can
Cans that are shorter and wider like vegetable, tomato sauce or condensed soup cans are more stable bases. Remove both the top and bottom of the can. Add your beer, seasonings and chicken as usual. The low and wide stance makes the chicken less prone to falling.
Double up on cans
For extra support, use two beer cans instead of one. Remove the tops from both cans. In one can, add your beer and seasoning mixture. Insert this seasoned can into an empty second can. The wider girth creates more stability for keeping the chicken upright.
Grilling Tips
Once your beer can chicken is standing securely, follow these grilling tips for best results:
- Use indirect heat – Place the chicken next to, not directly over, the heat source.
- Use a drip pan – Catch drippings in a disposable foil pan beneath the chicken.
- Rotate periodically – Turn the chicken a quarter turn every 20-30 minutes for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer – Cook until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.
- Let rest before carving – Allow the chicken to rest 15-20 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.
Beer Can Chicken Recipe
This basic beer can chicken recipe outlines how to prepare and grill the chicken:
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- 1 can beer (12 oz)
- 1 tbsp barbecue seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions
- Remove giblets and neck from chicken cavity.
- Rinse chicken under cold water and pat dry.
- Rub outside all over with olive oil and barbecue seasoning.
- Put crushed garlic, lemon quarters and beer into can. Reserve some beer to taste test.
- Add more barbecue seasoning to taste.
- Insert beer can into cavity of chicken.
- Use stand or method of choice to balance chicken over can.
- Prepare grill for indirect cooking at medium heat (350°F).
- Place chicken upright on grill, over drip pan.
- Grill for 1-1.5 hours until 165°F in thickest part. Rotate periodically.
- Let rest 15 minutes before carving to serve.
| Prep time | 10 mins |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 1-1.5 hours |
| Total time | 1 hour 10 mins – 1 hour 40 mins |
| Servings | 4-6 |
FAQs
What beer is best for beer can chicken?
Go for a beer with good flavor but not overpowering taste. Lagers and pilsners are excellent choices. Avoid very bitter IPAs. Pale ales, blondes, and wheat beers also work well.
Do you need a whole beer for beer can chicken?
No, a whole beer is not necessary. The chicken only sits on around 2-3 inches of liquid in the can. You can pour out some beer into a glass to drink, leaving just enough to fill the bottom of the can.
How long does beer can chicken take to cook?
Cook time is usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The chicken should cook to an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast meat. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Can you flavor the beer in beer can chicken?
Yes! Try adding extra spices, chopped onions/garlic, citrus slices, or fresh herbs to the beer for extra flavor. Just be sure to reserve some plain beer to taste test for seasoning.
Do you need a vertical chicken roaster?
A vertical roaster is not essential but helps keep the chicken upright. You can balance the chicken without one or fashion your own roaster from a spare can.
Conclusion
With a few simple tricks, you can keep your beer can chicken standing tall on the grill. A purpose-made chicken stand makes it easy, but you can also MacGyver your own support system. Weighing down the can, crushing it, or using two cans improves stability. Follow standard indirect grilling techniques and keep an eye on the bird’s balance. In no time, you’ll be a pro at serving up picture-perfect beer can chicken.