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Beer Can Chicken

Beer can chicken combines simplicity with restaurant-quality flavor, delivering crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal fuss.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 46 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 whole chicken 4 to 5 pounds, giblets removed
  • 1 can beer 12 ounces (lager or pilsner works best)
  • 3 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed

Equipment

  • Large roasting pan or baking sheet with raised edges
  • Meat thermometer (instant-read preferred)
  • Paper towels
  • Cutting board for resting and slicing
  • Basting brush (optional but helpful)
  • Tongs for handling the hot chicken
  • Oven mitts or kitchen towels
  • Measuring spoons for seasonings

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Line a large roasting pan with foil and position a rack in the lower-middle section of the oven.
  3. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking and pat it dry with paper towels.
  4. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, kosher salt, thyme, and oregano.
  5. Rub olive oil over the chicken and coat it generously with the dry rub.
  6. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon halves and crushed garlic.
  7. Open the beer can and take a sip to make room for steam.
  8. Carefully lower the chicken onto the open beer can.
  9. Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes before removing it from the can.
  11. Slice the chicken and serve immediately.

Notes

Beer can chicken pairs well with sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn, and garlic mashed potatoes.