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Crispy Beer Can Chicken

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A simple and flavorful grilled whole chicken cooked upright on a beer can for juicy meat and crispy skin, perfect for summer BBQs and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds)
  • 1 can beer (12 oz, lager or pale ale recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary sprigs, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill for indirect heat at medium-high temperature, around 375°F (190°C). For charcoal, arrange coals to one side; for gas, turn off burners directly under the chicken.
  2. Remove giblets from the chicken and pat the chicken dry inside and out with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub the spice mix all over, including inside the cavity.
  4. Open the beer can and pour out or drink about half the can. Optionally add fresh herb sprigs or smashed garlic cloves into the can for extra aroma.
  5. Carefully place the chicken cavity over the beer can so it stands upright. Secure with a beer can holder if available, or stabilize carefully on the grill.
  6. Close the grill lid and cook for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Avoid opening the lid frequently.
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; juices should run clear and skin should be golden and crispy.
  8. Remove the chicken from the grill using gloves and let it rest upright or on a platter for 10 minutes before carving to lock in juices.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Use indirect heat to avoid burning. Rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Use a digital thermometer to ensure proper doneness. If skin isn’t crispy enough, briefly place chicken over direct heat for 2-3 minutes while watching carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer can chicken, grilled chicken, crispy chicken, summer BBQ, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, backyard grilling

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/crispy-beer-can-chicken-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-juicy-grill-perfection/