Beer can chicken is a popular way to cook a whole chicken on the grill. As the name suggests, it involves placing an open can of beer in the chicken’s cavity before grilling it. The beer steams and flavors the chicken from the inside while the outside is nicely browned and crispy. But what kind of beer should you use for beer can chicken? Let’s take a closer look at the options.
Common types of beer used
There are several styles of beer that work well for beer can chicken:
Lighter lagers
Many people opt for a light, fizzy lager when making beer can chicken. The carbonation helps the beer steam and vaporize inside the chicken. Popular choices include Budweiser, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Corona. These mass market lagers are readily available, inexpensive, and provide a mild flavor that works well with chicken.
Pale ales
American pale ales are another good option, bringing a slightly hoppy and bitter note to balance the savory chicken. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a widely available example. India Pale Ales can also work if you like a strong hop-forward flavor.
Wheat beers
The fruity, spiced flavors of wheat beers like Blue Moon, Shock Top, or Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier complement poultry well. The yeasty notes match nicely with the skin of the chicken. Other Belgian-style ales can also pair well.
Stouts and porters
Darker beers like Guinness Draught, Left Hand Milk Stout, and Anchor Porter bring richer, roasted flavors. They can provide a pleasant contrast to the juicy meat of the chicken. However, very bitter imperial stouts are probably not the best choice.
Ginger beer
For something different, try ginger beer, which has a spicy kick from ginger that works great with chicken. Good options are Cock ‘n Bull, Fever-Tree, and Bundaberg. Just make sure to choose real ginger beer, not just ginger ale.
Factors in choosing beer for beer can chicken
Here are some things to consider when selecting beer for beer can chicken recipes:
Carbonation level
You want a decent level of carbonation to help the beer vaporize and steam inside the chicken. Flat beer won’t have the same effect. Lagers, pale ales, and wheat beers tend to have good carbonation.
Flavor intensity
Very bitter and strongly flavored beers can overwhelm the chicken’s natural flavors. Mild to moderate intensity flavors are best. So for hoppy styles like IPAs, go for lower IBU beers.
Sweetness level
Some residual sweetness helps balance and complement the savory chicken. Very dry beers won’t provide as much flavor enhancement.
Alcohol percentage
Higher alcohol beers won’t vaporize as readily due to their lower water content. Stick to beers in the 4-6% ABV range. Anything over 8% is probably not ideal.
Price point
Since you’ll be using an entire can or bottle of beer, an expensive artisanal beer may be overkill. Everyday drinking beers are perfectly fine. No need to splurge on a rare bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout here.
Beer can chicken cooking method
Now let’s go over the basic technique for cooking beer can chicken on a grill:
Prep the chicken
1. Remove giblets from the chicken cavity. Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
2. Liberally season on the outside with salt, pepper, and any other rubs or herbs. Season the cavity as well.
3. Place the chicken upright onto the beer can. Press down firmly so the can fills the cavity.
4. Ideally use a beer can chicken rack to hold the chicken upright on the grill. If you don’t have one, sit the chicken on the beer can in a disposable aluminum pan.
Prep the grill
5. Prep a charcoal or gas grill for indirect medium heat, around 325°F.
6. If using charcoal, pile the lit coals to one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. Place a drip pan in the empty area.
7. If using gas, turn on only one of the burners to low/medium heat. Place chicken on unlit side.
Grill the chicken
8. Place the upright chicken on the cool side of the grill.
9. Put the grill lid on top. Grill for 1-1.5 hours until the thigh meat reaches 165°F.
10. Keep an eye on the beer level every 30 minutes. Top off with more beer as needed.
11. Let rest 10 minutes before carving to allow juices to settle.
12. Carve into pieces and serve with your favorite sides!
Pro tips
– Soak wood chips in beer or water to generate extra smoke flavor. Add to the charcoal or gas grill.
– Nestle fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme around the chicken in the beer can.
– Add garlic cloves, citrus wedges, or onion chunks to the can for extra flavor.
– Rub the outside of the chicken with spices, brown sugar, or citrus zest.
– Place a pan of beer, wine, or water under the chicken to make drippings for a flavorful sauce.
– Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh to monitor the internal temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Does the kind of beer really matter?
While you can use any type of beer, the beer style does impact flavor. Lagers, pale ales, and wheat beers are good standard choices that complement poultry well. Very bitter and alcoholic beers may not be ideal.
Why use beer at all – does it really make a difference?
Beer brings a lot of extra moisture and flavor. As it steams and vaporizes inside the chicken, it keeps the meat very juicy while imparting flavor from the malts and hops. The carbonation provides even more steam. Water or wine wouldn’t have the same effect.
Should I pour out some beer to make room for the chicken?
There’s no need to waste any beer! Just place the chicken straight onto the full, unopened can and let the beer overflow as it fits into the cavity. The grill will burn off any dripped beer.
Can I use a full-sized beer can?
Standard 12-ounce cans are the typical choice, since they more readily fit inside the chicken cavity. But you can use a taller 16-ounce can or medium bottle – just be sure to drink or pour off any excess over 12 ounces before inserting into the chicken.
How do I prevent the chicken falling over off the can?
Investing in a beer can chicken rack is the best option, as it securely holds the bird upright. If you don’t have one, use an aluminum drip pan and arrange crumpled foil around the can and chicken to support it. Keep an eye on it while grilling.
Cooking tips for moist and flavorful beer can chicken
Here are some extra pointers for maximizing juiciness and taste when making beer can chicken:
– Brine the chicken for 2-4 hours before grilling to infuse it with flavor and moisture. Make a simple brine by dissolving 1/2 cup salt in 4 cups water, plus any desired herbs and spices.
– Rub the chicken skin liberally with oil or softened butter before seasoning it. This helps prevent the skin from drying out.
– Grill the chicken over indirect heat. Direct heat can burn the skin before the interior cooks through. Indirect heat deliciously roasts the chicken.
– Resist the urge to cook it at too high a temperature. Go low (300-350°F) and slow. The steam inside needs time to thoroughly cook the meat.
– Rotate the chicken every 30 minutes for even exposure to heat so no single area gets overcooked.
– Keep replenishing the beer can with more beer as it cooks. Top it off whenever the can gets low.
– Let the chicken rest at least 10 minutes before carving so the juices redistribute through the meat.
Beer can chicken recipes
Now let’s showcase some amazing beer can chicken recipes that put all these tips into delicious practice:
Classic Beer Can Chicken
| Prep time | 10 mins |
| Cook time | 1-1.5 hours |
| Total time | 1 hour 10 mins |
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
– 12 oz beer (lager, pale ale, or wheat beer)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp kosher salt
– 2 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
1. Pat chicken dry and coat the outside with oil. Combine dry spices and rub all over.
2. Pour out any excess beer over 12 oz. Insert can into cavity.
3. Setup grill for indirect medium heat around 325°F.
4. Stand chicken upright on grill with beer can inside.
5. Grill 1-1.5 hours until 165°F in thickest part.
6. Let rest 10 mins before slicing and serving.
Jamaican Jerk Beer Can Chicken
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken
– 12 oz Jamaican lager like Red Stripe
– 3 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
– 1 habanero pepper, minced
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp allspice
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp thyme
Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients except chicken and beer to make a wet rub.
2. Coat chicken with spice rub. Let marinate 30 mins.
3. Add beer to cavity. Grill 1-1.5 hours over indirect heat.
4. When done, squeeze lime juice over chicken before serving.
Chipotle Beer Can Chicken
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken
– 12 oz Mexican lager like Corona
– 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tsp adobo sauce from chipotles
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp cumin
– 1 tsp oregano
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In bowl, combine all ingredients except chicken and beer. Mix into a paste.
2. Coat chicken with the chipotle paste. Marinate 30 mins to 1 hour.
3. Add beer to cavity. Grill 1-1.5 hours over indirect heat.
4. Carve and serve chicken topped with extra lime juice and adobo sauce if desired.
Conclusion
Beer can chicken is a fun and foolproof way to make incredibly moist, tender and full-flavored grilled chicken. While any type of beer can be used, lighter beers like lagers, pale ales and wheat beers work especially well. Their mild flavors beautifully complement the chicken while their carbonation provides an extra boost of steam. Just be sure to grill the chicken slowly over indirect heat and keep replenishing the beer can for best results. Experiment with different beer styles and spice rubs to put your own spin on this classic dish. Beer can chicken is a great centerpiece for your next barbecue or summer dinner party.