Beer can chicken, also known as beer butt chicken, is a popular method of cooking a whole chicken that results in a flavorful and moist bird. The cooking process involves placing a partially filled beer can into the cavity of the chicken and then roasting it in the oven or on a grill.

This cooking technique is often used to infuse the chicken with the flavors of the beer, as well as to help keep the meat moist during the cooking process. The beer can also acts as a stand, helping to prop up the chicken and promote even cooking.

The cooking time for beer can chicken can vary depending on the size of the bird and the cooking method used. In general, a 4-5 pound chicken will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to cook in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C). If grilling, the chicken will take approximately the same amount of time, but it’s important to monitor the temperature of the grill to ensure even cooking.

It’s important to note that the internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. To check the temperature, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching bone. Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.

Preparation for Cooking Beer Can Chicken

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Before you start cooking beer can chicken, there are a few important steps you need to follow to ensure the best results. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose the right chicken: Select a whole chicken that weighs around 4-5 pounds. Make sure it is fresh and has been properly cleaned.

2. Prepare the beer can: Open a can of beer and pour out about half of it. You can drink it or save it for later. Place the can upright on a solid surface.

3. Season the chicken: Rub the chicken with your preferred seasonings. You can use a ready-made poultry rub or create your own blend of herbs and spices. Make sure to season both the outside and the cavity of the chicken.

4. Insert the beer can: Carefully lower the chicken onto the beer can. The can should fit inside the cavity of the chicken, with the legs and the can acting as a stable tripod.

5. Set up the grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the charcoal in a two-zone setup with direct and indirect heat. If using a gas grill, light only one side of the grill, leaving the other side off for indirect cooking.

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6. Grill the chicken: Place the chicken, with the beer can and legs acting as a stand, on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. Rest and serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill using oven mitts or tongs. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before removing the beer can and carving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Note: Remember to always practice proper food safety measures and thoroughly clean your grill after use.

Ingredients and Tools Needed

Before cooking beer can chicken, you will need to gather the following ingredients and tools:

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds)
  • 1 can of beer (12 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of your favorite dry rub or seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Tools:

  • Grill or oven
  • Charcoal or wood chips (if using a grill)
  • Beer can chicken stand or vertical roaster
  • Basting brush
  • Meat thermometer
  • Aluminum foil

Make sure you have all of these ingredients and tools ready before you start cooking beer can chicken. The beer can chicken stand or vertical roaster is essential for holding the chicken upright while it cooks, ensuring even heat distribution and moist meat.

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Beer Can Chicken Rub Recipe

When cooking beer can chicken, it’s important to season it properly so that it’s flavorful and delicious. This beer can chicken rub recipe is perfect for adding a tasty blend of spices and herbs to your chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine all the spices and herbs: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  5. Open a can of beer and take a few sips (or pour out a small amount) to make room for the chicken.
  6. Place the beer can in the cavity of the chicken, using the legs to create a tripod that will hold the chicken upright.
  7. Place the chicken on the grill, balancing it with the beer can.
  8. Cook the chicken for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  9. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
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Enjoy your delicious beer can chicken, seasoned with this flavorful rub!

Ingredients for the Rub

  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

The rub is an essential part of cooking beer can chicken. It adds flavor and helps to create a delicious crust on the outside of the chicken. To make the rub, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Make sure to evenly coat the entire chicken with the rub, paying extra attention to the skin. Allow the rub to sit on the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will give the flavors time to penetrate the meat and enhance the overall taste of the dish. Feel free to adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your personal preferences. The rub can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for future use.

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Preparing the Beer Can Chicken

Beer can chicken is a delicious and flavorful way to prepare chicken on the grill. The combination of moist heat from the beer and the smoky flavor from the grill creates a succulent and tender bird. Here’s how to prepare and cook beer can chicken:

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 1 can of beer
  • 2 tablespoons of your favorite chicken rub
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In the meantime, clean and pat dry the whole chicken.
  3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, making sure to coat the entire bird.
  4. Next, apply the chicken rub generously, both on the outside and inside of the chicken.
  5. Open the can of beer and pour out about half of it. You can drink it or discard it.
  6. Insert the half-full can of beer into the cavity of the chicken, making sure it stands upright.
  7. Place the chicken, with the beer can inserted, onto the grill. Position it so that it stands upright and is balanced.
  8. Cook the chicken over indirect heat for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove the chicken from the grill carefully, using oven mitts or tongs to handle the hot beer can.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Remember to always exercise caution when handling hot items on the grill. Enjoy your delicious beer can chicken!

Steps to Prepare the Chicken

Before cooking the beer can chicken, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need:

  • One whole chicken
  • Beer can
  • Aluminum foil
  • Olive oil
  • Spices and herbs of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.)
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Step 1: Clean the Chicken

Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water. Remove any giblets or excess fat from the cavity. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub the chicken with olive oil, making sure to coat it evenly. This will help the seasoning stick and add flavor. Sprinkle your desired spices and herbs all over the chicken, including the inside of the cavity. Be generous with the seasoning for a more flavorful result.

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Step 3: Prepare the Beer Can

Open the beer can and pour out about half of it. This will prevent the can from overflowing during cooking. Place the beer can on a solid surface and insert the chicken cavity over the top of the can. The beer can will act as a stand, keeping the chicken upright.

Step 4: Wrap the Chicken

Wrap the chicken and beer can in aluminum foil, leaving the top of the chicken and the beer can exposed. This will help retain moisture and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F, 200°C). It’s important to cook the chicken over indirect heat for a more even and gentle cooking process.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Place the wrapped chicken with the beer can upright on the grill grates, away from the direct flames. Close the lid and let the chicken cook for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.

Remember to periodically check the grill temperature and adjust the heat as needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.

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Enjoy the delicious and moist beer can chicken you have prepared!

Questions and answers

How long should I cook beer can chicken?

Beer can chicken should be cooked for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What is the cooking time for beer can chicken?

The cooking time for beer can chicken is typically between 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How long does it take to cook beer can chicken?

It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook beer can chicken.

What is the recommended cooking time for beer can chicken?

The recommended cooking time for beer can chicken is around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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