A Beer Can Chicken Recipe That Will Knock Your Socks Off!

Memorial Day is just around the corner and with it comes the unofficial start of grilling season!

I actually keep my grill open all year round (hey, I still love grilled steak and chicken even in the cold New Jersey winter), but most people will just be firing up their grills for the first time this weekend.

So if you’re having company and you want to grill something that will really knock their socks off I have just what you’re looking for….

Mike’s Ultimate Beer Can Chicken Recipe!

Nothing makes an impression like beer can chicken.  Your guests will think you went to some kind of BBQ university…but I’m going to show you that it’s a lot easier than you think.

Start with a whole chicken between 3 and 5 pounds. Clean it thoroughly inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.

Take a 12 ounce can of beer and pour out half. Then punch a few extra holes in the top with a can opener. This will create a vent for the steam to exit the can and permeate the chicken.

Take a tablespoon of your favorite bbq rub and sprinkle it inside the chicken’s cavity. Then rub a few more tablespoons on the outside. I also like to sprinkle a bit into the beer can.

IMPORTANT - My beer can chicken recipe uses the indirect grilling method. If you’re using charcoal, place the charcoal on one side of the grill and the chicken on the other. If using gas, turn off the burner directly under the chicken.

This first time I made beer can chicken, I left all 3 burners on and the drippings caught fire. My beautiful bird was incinerated. I learned my lesson and now I always use indirect grilling for this recipe. The chicken is cooked by the heat inside the grill, not the flame itself.

Once your grill is preheated (medium heat), slide the chicken onto the beer can and place it onto the grill. Think of the beer can and the drumsticks as a tripod that keeps the chicken standing. Try to keep the wings tucked close to the body to prevent burning.

Close the grill and let it cook until the temperature reaches 180 degrees fahrenheit (about 1 – 1 1/2 hours).

Carefully remove it from the grill and let sit for 5-10 minutes. I like to bring it to the table to show off.  When it’s cooled off a bit just discard the beer can and you’re ready to eat!

This beer can chicken recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s easier than you would think, it makes for a great presentation, and the chicken itself is juicy and loaded with flavor.

Enjoy!