Smoky Beer-Can Chicken

This showstopping grilled chicken uses beer cans as a cooking vessel, creating incredibly moist, tender meat infused with smoky flavors. The vertical cooking method guarantees even heat distribution while the beer adds subtle flavor and keeps the meat juicy throughout the grilling process.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken

Prep Time: 1 15

Cook Time: 1 30

Total Time: 2 45

Servings:

Calories: 285kcal

Equipment

Heatproof Bowl

Ingredients

2 whole chickens 3½ to 4 pounds each, fat removed, washed and patted dry
2 cups hickory or oak wood chips
2 12-ounce cans beer, plus additional as needed
½ cup barbecue rub your favorite blend

Instructions

Place wood chips in a bowl and set aside.
Pop tabs on beer cans and make 2 additional holes in each top using a church-key opener.
Pour half the beer from each can over the wood chips. Add additional beer or water to cover chips completely.
Soak wood chips for 1 hour, then drain.
Set up grill for indirect grilling and preheat to 350°F.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon barbecue rub in neck cavity and 2 teaspoons in main cavity of each chicken.
Add 1 tablespoon barbecue rub to each half-full beer can (foaming is normal).
Season outside of each chicken with 2 tablespoons barbecue rub.
Stand beer cans on work surface. Hold each chicken upright and lower over can so it goes into main cavity.
Pull chicken legs forward to form a tripod base. Chicken should sit upright and stable.
Carefully transfer chickens to grill center over drip pan, away from direct heat.
Add wood chips: if using charcoal, toss half on each coal mound; if using gas, place in smoker box.
Grill chickens for approximately 1½ hours, maintaining 350°F temperature.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F in thickest part of thigh.
Carefully transfer birds to platter in upright position.
Lift birds off cans to carve and discard cans.

Notes

Soak wood chips for full hour to prevent burning and guarantee proper smoke production

Maintain grill temperature around 350°F by replenishing charcoal as needed during cooking

Use tongs to carefully move chickens to prevent beer cans from falling out

Substitute beer with Coke, Sprite, or other flavored liquids for different taste profiles

Always open cans before cooking to prevent pressure buildup and potential explosion

Let chickens rest 5-10 minutes after cooking before carving for juicier meat

Position drip pan under chickens to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups

Nutrition