This smoked version of the classic beer can chicken recipe takes the temperature down for low and slow cooking. The advantage is that the light steam will marinate and moisten the chicken while it slowly roasts to perfection in a smoky environment.
After a little prep, you'll just need to check the chicken periodically to ensure the smoker is at the right temperature and that the chicken doesn't overcook. It's a fun smoked chicken dish to make on a lazy day. The rub adds a savory flavor, and the smoker gives a delicious smokiness. For even more flavor, the beer can mixture of apple cider vinegar, onion, and garlic infuses the meat nicely.
Serve your smoked beer can chicken with grilled veggies, mashed or roasted potatoes, or oven fries. The leftovers make a flavorful filling for a sandwich, burrito, or tacos.
Do You Have To Cut the Can for Beer Can Chicken?
It's not necessary to remove the entire top of the can; it's a personal preference. Some people prefer to just pop the can open and others poke a few extra holes in the top to let more steam escape as well. With small enough pieces, the veggies can fit into the main hole. If you do cut the entire top off, be careful not to cut yourself or spill the beer; some aluminum cans are flimsy and may dent or collapse with a standard can opener. Metal snips are another option people use to cut the beer can below the lip; you may have to reduce the contents so it's no more than half full.
How To Remove the Beer Can From the Chicken
To get the beer can out of the chicken, carefully move the chicken onto a cutting board or sturdy tray by holding it with tongs and sliding a spatula under the can (it will still be hot after resting). Transport it to the sink and set the chicken close to the edge of the board and sink. Use tongs to pull the can out of the chicken, letting the can fall into the sink. This entire process is easiest with a second person but can be done alone if you're very careful.
Tips for Making Bear Can Chicken Recipe
- Cooking time - The recipe cooks a four-pound chicken at the recommended smoker temperature in about 3 to 4 hours. If you have a larger chicken, the time will be longer (maybe an hour or two).
- Use a thermometer - Unsure if the smoker's thermometer is accurate? Place a grill or oven thermometer on the smoker rack and check the cooking temperature periodically.
- The best beers for beer can chicken - Choose one that is not too hoppy, sour, or dark. A lager is always a good choice, as are malty and German-style beers. Try a smoked beer for a boost of flavor.
What You'll Need to Make This Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe
"This smoker recipe produces a flavorful bird with really moist meat in a mostly hands-off way: set it, check it, done. Removing the entire beer top can be challenging, and I prefer to open the can and add a few extra holes because it’s easier and equally effective." —Colleen Graham
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/smoked-beer-in-the-butt-chicken-334217-c-graham-2021-001-d6dbc8c1f3da4de780ad937d4db2b215.jpg "The Trick To Making a Moist and Flavorful Smoked Chicken, Stuff It With a Beer Can! (4)")
A Note From Our Recipe Tester
Ingredients
2 teaspoonsmild chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoonssalt
1 teaspoononion powder
1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds, giblets removed
1 can beer, lager or German-style preferred
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoonsapple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
Steps to Make It
Gather the ingredients. Preheat a smoker to 225 to 250 F.
Combine 2 teaspoons mild chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon onion powder to rub all over 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds, giblets removed.
Open 1 can of beer (lager or German-style preferred), and pour out (or better yet, drink) half of the can. Use a can opener to cut off the top of the beer can. Add 2 tablespoons chopped onion, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 3 cloves garlic (minced) to the beer can.
Working over a tray, carefully place the chicken cavity over the beer can, ensuring it almost completely covers the can. Move to the middle of the smoker rack and ensure it stands up properly. Smoke for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches between 165 and 170 F on an instant-read thermometer.
Once cooked, remove from the heat and place onto a cutting board. Loosely tent the chicken with aluminum foil and let rest for 7 to 10 minutes before removing the can and carving the chicken.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/smoked-beer-in-the-butt-chicken-334217-step-01-04ce23b06309435d95d3dfb12dad9285.JPG "The Trick To Making a Moist and Flavorful Smoked Chicken, Stuff It With a Beer Can! (5)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/smoked-beer-in-the-butt-chicken-334217-step-02-11c1ca4c86134fe486b64be682ab2ee9.JPG "The Trick To Making a Moist and Flavorful Smoked Chicken, Stuff It With a Beer Can! (6)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/smoked-beer-in-the-butt-chicken-334217-step-03-7edc736c8d9345d0b670ac2d7fbe876d.JPG "The Trick To Making a Moist and Flavorful Smoked Chicken, Stuff It With a Beer Can! (7)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/smoked-beer-in-the-butt-chicken-334217-step-05-3939b745dfbb45a8a7c4eb0c74004089.JPG "The Trick To Making a Moist and Flavorful Smoked Chicken, Stuff It With a Beer Can! (8)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/smoked-beer-in-the-butt-chicken-334217-step-06-26b7c3800d6146b78ee23327251843b3.JPG "The Trick To Making a Moist and Flavorful Smoked Chicken, Stuff It With a Beer Can! (9)")
Feeling Adventurous? Try This:
If you're looking for a different type of flavor for your beer can chicken, try using wine, soda, or broth in place of the beer. It is strongly recommended to use a metal can because it will hold up to the grill's heat. Canned wine is now readily available, and any liquid can be transferred to an empty, clean can.
Smoked Chicken Thighs With Whiskey Peach Glaze Recipe
- BBQ Food
- Dinner
- Chicken Mains
- American Food
- American Sides
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 456 | Calories |
| 23g | Fat |
| 6g | Carbs |
| 47g | Protein |
Show Full Nutrition Label
×
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 4 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 456 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 23g | 30% |
| Saturated Fat 6g | 32% |
| Cholesterol 152mg | 51% |
| Sodium 974mg | 42% |
| Total Carbohydrate 6g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars 1g | |
| Protein 47g | |
| Vitamin C 1mg | 7% |
| Calcium 42mg | 3% |
| Iron 3mg | 14% |
| Potassium 459mg | 10% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Recipe Tags:
- beer
- beer can chicken
- beer in butt chicken
- smoker
Rate This Recipe
I don't like this at all.It's not the worst.Sure, this will do.I'm a fan—would recommend.Amazing! I love it!Thanks for your rating!
