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Crispy Beer Can Chicken Recipe Easy Juicy Tender Meat on Grill

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A simple and foolproof grilled beer can chicken recipe that delivers crispy skin and juicy, tender meat using a beer can steaming method and a flavorful spice rub.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds / 1.8–2.3 kg), fresh or thawed, giblets removed
  • 1 standard 12 oz (355 ml) can of beer (lager or pale ale recommended)
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Optional: fresh herb sprigs (rosemary or thyme) for cavity
  • Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Remove giblets from chicken cavity. Rinse chicken inside and out with cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Optionally tuck fresh herb sprigs inside the cavity.
  3. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper if using.
  4. Brush the chicken all over with olive oil or melted butter, including under the skin where possible.
  5. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, inside the cavity and on the skin.
  6. Open the beer can and pour out or drink about half the beer, leaving it half full. Optionally add crushed garlic cloves or herb sprigs inside the can.
  7. Carefully slide the chicken onto the beer can so it stands upright. Use a beer can chicken holder if available.
  8. Preheat grill for indirect heat to about 350°F (175°C). Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  9. Place the chicken upright on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for 60 to 75 minutes.
  10. Check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C).
  11. Remove chicken carefully from grill and beer can using tongs and oven mitts. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.
  12. Carve and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry multiple times before oiling for extra crispy skin. Let chicken come to room temperature before grilling. Use indirect heat to avoid burning skin. Avoid opening grill lid frequently. Rest chicken after grilling to redistribute juices. Finish over direct heat briefly if skin needs more browning. Substitute beer with sparkling water or chicken broth for non-alcoholic version. Use gluten-free beer for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer can chicken, grilled chicken, crispy chicken, juicy chicken, summer cookout, easy chicken recipe, beer steamed chicken

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/crispy-beer-can-chicken-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-meat-on-grill/