Ultimate Beer Can Chicken Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful Grilled Perfection

Beer Can Grilled Chicken on the Arteflame Grill

This Beer Can Grilled Chicken recipe is a fun and flavorful way to cook a whole chicken on your Arteflame Grill. The beer steams the chicken from the inside, making it incredibly juicy, while the grill provides a smoky flavor to the crispy skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1 can of beer (12 oz)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Equipment:

• Arteflame Grill
• Can opener
• Meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Remove any giblets from the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil.

2. Season the Chicken:

   • In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken, inside and out.

3. Prepare the Beer Can:

   • Open the beer can and pour out (or drink) about half the beer. Make a few more holes in the top of the can with the can opener to allow steam to escape.

4. Mount the Chicken on the Can:

   • Carefully slide the chicken over the beer can so that the can fits inside the cavity. Use the chicken legs to form a tripod, stabilizing the chicken on the grill.

5. Grill the Chicken:

   • Preheat your Arteflame Grill and install the grill grate riser.
   • Place the chicken, standing up on the can on the elevated grill grate. 
   • Grill for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F when checked in the thickest part of the thigh.
   • NOTE: If there is too much heat, the outside of the chicken will crisp up before the inside is done.  Move the chicken to the flat cooktop so it can cook all the way without burning the skin.

6. Rest and Serve:

   • Carefully remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest for 10 minutes before removing the beer can and carving. The beer inside will be hot, so handle with care.

Tips for Perfect Beer Can Grilled Chicken:

• Choosing Beer: Any beer will do, but different types can add subtle flavor differences. Experiment to find your favorite.
• Safety First: Ensure the chicken is stable on the can before placing it on the grill to prevent it from tipping over.
• Checking Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to the correct temperature.

Enjoy your Beer Can Grilled Chicken, a centerpiece dish that's as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for your next BBQ or outdoor gathering.

Arteflame Grills, Griddles & Accessories

Achieve steakhouse-level cooking and elevate your grilling experience, at home!

Shop Arteflame Grills