Is Beer Can Chicken healthy?

It can be part of a balanced diet. Chicken is a great source of lean protein. To make it healthier, you can remove the skin after cooking, which significantly reduces the fat and calorie content. The rub contains some sugar, but the overall dish is rich in protein and essential nutrients.

Can I use a different type of beer?

Absolutely! While Grolsch is a great choice, any standard lager or pilsner will work well. Avoid overly hoppy beers like IPAs, as they can impart a bitter flavor to the meat.

Do I have to use beer? What are some non-alcoholic substitutes?

No, you don't have to use beer. The goal is to create steam inside the chicken. You can use non-alcoholic beer, chicken broth, apple juice, or even a can of soda like cola or root beer for a different flavor profile.

Why is my chicken skin not crispy?

The most common reason for non-crispy skin is moisture. Make sure you pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before applying the oil and rub. Also, ensure your grill maintains a consistent temperature of at least 350°F (175°C).

Is it safe to cook with a beer can?

There is some debate about the safety of heating the inks and aluminum of a beer can. To be completely safe, you can pour the beer into a stainless steel vertical chicken roaster, which is designed for this purpose and provides better stability.

Home / Recipes / american / Beer Can Chicken

americanMediumnon vegetariandairy freenut freesoy free

Beer Can Chicken

RATING

4.5/5(172)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

This is the ultimate way to grill a whole chicken! The beer steams the inside, keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender, while the outside gets a crispy, seasoned skin. A backyard BBQ showstopper that's surprisingly easy to make.

PREP

15m

COOK

75m

SERVES

300 G

1194 cal

SERVINGS

INSTRUCTIONS

6 steps. 75 minutes total.

6 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Grill
- b.Set up your grill for two-zone, indirect cooking. Aim for a consistent temperature of 350-400°F (175-200°C).
- c.For a charcoal grill, arrange hot coals on one side. For a gas grill, light the burners on one side and leave the other side off.
- d.Place a disposable aluminum drip pan on the unlit side of the grill to catch drippings.
2
Step 2
- a.Create the Dry Rub
- b.In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, sweet paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3
Step 3
- a.Season the Chicken
- b.Remove the chicken from its packaging and take out the giblets from the cavity. Pat the entire chicken, inside and out, completely dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin.
- c.Coat the entire chicken with olive oil.
- d.Generously apply the dry rub all over the chicken, including under the skin of the breast and thighs where possible, and inside the cavity.
4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Beer Can
- b.Open the can of Grolsch beer and pour out (or drink) about half of it, leaving the can half-full.
- c.Using a can opener, punch a few extra holes in the top of the can to allow more steam to escape.
- d.Carefully slide the chicken's cavity over the beer can. The can should fit snugly inside. Pull the chicken legs forward to create a stable tripod with the can.
5
Step 5
- a.Grill the Chicken
- b.Carefully place the chicken upright on the grill grate over the indirect heat zone (above the drip pan). Ensure it is stable.
- c.Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
- d.If the skin starts to get too dark, you can loosely tent the top with aluminum foil.
6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Carve
- b.Using sturdy tongs or heatproof gloves, carefully remove the chicken from the grill, keeping it upright. The can and the liquid inside will be extremely hot.
- c.Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist bird.
- d.After resting, carefully lift the chicken off the can using tongs while holding the can steady. Discard the can and its contents.
- e.Carve the chicken and serve immediately.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For maximum stability and safety, use a dedicated beer can chicken stand. It prevents the chicken from tipping over on the grill.
2
A digital meat thermometer is your best friend for this recipe. It's the only way to guarantee a perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
3
Don't skip the resting period. It's a critical step that ensures the meat remains moist and tender.
4
For extra flavor, consider brining the chicken in a simple salt and sugar solution for 4-6 hours before cooking.
5
Ensure the chicken is completely dry before applying the rub. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Spice Rub

Customize the dry rub to your liking. Try a Cajun blend with oregano and thyme, or an herb-focused rub with rosemary, sage, and lemon zest.

Liquid

Experiment with different liquids in the can. Other lagers, ales, hard cider, or even non-alcoholic options like cola, root beer, or chicken broth can be used.

Oven Method

If you don't have a grill, you can make this in the oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C), place the chicken on a roasting pan, and cook for about 75-90 minutes, until the internal temperature is correct.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

muscle

Excellent Source of Protein

Chicken is a high-quality protein source, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

brain

Rich in B Vitamins

This dish provides significant amounts of B vitamins, particularly Niacin (B3) and B6, which are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.

leaf

Contains Essential Minerals

Chicken is a good source of minerals like selenium, which acts as an antioxidant, and phosphorus, which is vital for healthy bones and teeth.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A single serving of this Beer Can Chicken (approximately 300g) contains around 820 calories, primarily from the chicken meat and skin, as well as the olive oil and sugar in the rub.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

fusion·5 min·347 cal

EXPLORE

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Beer Can Chicken

For 4 servings

6 steps. 75 minutes total.

Step 1

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