If you’re looking to impress a small group of people, Beer Can Chicken is the way to go. A perfectly roasted chicken sitting atop a can of your favorite beer is a sight to behold – a true showstopper! Show
For this beer can chicken recipe we consulted our trusted Big Green Egg Cookbook as well as their website and then we bought a vertical roaster from Blackhawk Hardware. The roaster holds the beer can and provides a much steadier base than a can alone would be. You’ll also need a drip pan and a spray bottle. We also used the ConvEGGtor for indirect cooking. Get yourself a nice 5lbs-ish chicken, remove giblets and necks and either rub the chicken with your favorite store-bought chicken rub (we have a whole aisle full of grilling spices and sauces – hint hint!) or make your own. We adapted the rub recipe from the book and mixed: Poultry Rub1tsp brown sugar Rub the mixture into the chicken inside and out and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. In the mean time set up your Big Green Egg for indirect heat with the ConvEGGtor and preheat it to 375F. Beer Can Chicken TonicPour half of the beer, 1 cup apple juice, 2TBS olive oil, and 2TBS balsamic vinegar into the spray bottle. Place the half full beer can into the vertical roaster. Grilling Beer Can ChickenAfter 30 minutes, slide the chicken cavity on the beer can and put it on the Big Green Egg’s grid. Spray the chicken with the tonic and close the lid. Cook the chicken for 20 minutes and spray one more time after about 10 of those. Using grilling gloves, lift the roaster with the chicken into the drip pan. Spritz on additional tonic several times during the next 60 or so minutes of cooking. We suggest starting to take the chicken’s temperature at 45 minutes. The reading in the thickest part of the thigh should be 170F. After you’ve carefully removed the chicken from the Big Green Egg and the (very hot) beer can, spray it with the tonic one more time, cover it with foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. That’s always the hardest part for me, as the aroma has me drooling. This easy recipe for grilled Beer Can Chicken on a Green Egg is a fun and unique way to grill a whole chicken that will make your friends and family think you are a prize-winning BBQ Pit Master! The secret to a perfectly cooked whole chicken: an open can of beer or another beverage inserted into the chicken cavity before grilling. When the beer or liquid heats up, the steam helps cook it evenly and keeps it moist and tender. The spectacle of a chicken sitting on the can can’t be ignored and is guaranteed to make everyone smile. Some folks also call this dish “Dancing Chicken or Drunk Chicken”, and you can see why. I hope you will try this novel method of grilling a whole chicken on your Big Green Egg or Kamado type grill. This recipe will also work on any charcoal, pellet, or gas grill with a lid, so give it a try. Here’s what you will need:
For the beer can grilled chicken rub:
Here’s how to make it:
Frequently asked questions:What is the best beer? I don’t think it makes any difference in what kind of beer you use. You don’t even have to use beer; that’s just part of the novelty. I have used other carbonated beverages and even apple juice, with excellent results. What kind of can, do I need? You will need a beer can or another sturdy and similarily sized can. As you can see from the pictures, I used a soda can. What is a beer can chicken holder, and do I need it? You don’t have to use a beer can chicken holder; the chicken will still stand up on its own, but it may not be quite as stable. The holder has a wide base, which makes the chicken less likely to tip over. You can order them online or usually find them in stores that sell grill supplies. Do you need to cut the can? I know some folks cut the top of the can off, but I like to use a beer opener and punch several holes in the top. I think it’s less likely to spill hot liquid when trying to remove it from the grill. Smoking a beer can chicken? If you would like to smoke your beer can chicken, instead of grilling it, follow this recipe to the point of adding the rub and making the spray. Then, follow my recipe for smoked spatchcocked chicken, starting with setting up the grill. What to serve with it? I usually pair this dish with my Southern Potato Salad. However, it would also be delicious served with Grilled Vegetable Kabobs, Smoked Sweet Potatoes, Summer Pasta Salad, Classic Southern Deviled Eggs, Southern Corn Salad, or Southern-Style Baked Mac and Cheese. Sharon’s tips:
Big Green Egg Chicken Recipes:Grilled chicken is one of my top ten most favorite foods; I dearly love it. Nothing brings out the flavor like grilling, and this easy recipe is out of this world delicious. The smoke from the charcoal adds a taste that you can’t get with any other cooking method. Not surprisingly, I have a few more chicken recipes using the Green Egg on my blog that I think you may like as well:
You can find all of my chicken recipes here. ★ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and give it a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it! Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones! Beer Can Chicken Recipe – Big Green EggSharon Rigsby This recipe for grilled Beer Can Chicken is a fun and unique way to achieve perfectly grilled chicken that will make your friends and family think you are a prize-winning BBQ Pit Master! 5 from 5 votes Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 hr 15 mins Marinating time 30 mins Total Time 2 hrs 5 mins Course Main Dish Cuisine American, Southern Servings 4 servings Calories 530 kcal Equipment
Ingredients 1x2x3xGrilled Beer Can Chicken Rub
Chicken
Instructions
NotesYou don’t have to use a beer can holder, the chicken will still stand up, but it may not be quite as stable.Be sure to use a beer opener or can opener to make several openings at the top of the can you use to allow the steam to come out. No beer, no problem; you can use any carbonated beverage you like or even apple juice. This recipe can be prepared on any grill with a lid as long as the lid is deep enough. In a pinch, you can even fashion a makeshift lid with a large piece of aluminum foil.The times shown in this recipe are for poultry that is four to five pounds. If yours is larger or smaller, it will take more or less time to cook. You can cook beer can chicken in your oven as long as it fits; however, you will not have the smoky grilled taste. NutritionCalories: 530kcalProtein: 53gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 250mgSodium: 340mgVitamin A: 1900IUVitamin C: 8.3mgIron: 3.6mg Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones! **I originally posted this recipe on June 30, 2016. It was republished on April 28, 2020, with new images, slightly revised directions to make it easier, and expanded tips and techniques. Is beer can chicken direct or indirect heat?Place can, with chicken, on grill over indirect heat (and above drip pan). Grill chicken, covered, until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 165°, 45–60 minutes.
At what temperature is beer can chicken done?Position legs to best support chicken (similar to a tripod). Close lid. 4 Grill chicken 1 1/2 hours or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thigh). Remove chicken from can before serving.
How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken on a green EGG?Set the EGG for indirect cooking with the convEGGtor at 275ºF/135ºC with Apple Smoking Chunks. Rub the chicken with olive oil and liberally season with the Big Green Egg Savory Pecan Seasoning. Place on the EGG and smoke for about 45 minutes to an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF/62ºC.
How do I make my chicken crispy on the Big Green EGG?Brush the outside of the chicken with a little bit of olive oil, sprinkle the rub over the chicken and press it in gently. Keep the remaining rub for future use. Spread the chicken legs and/or drumsticks over the grid, close the lid of the EGG and roast the chicken for approx. 20 minutes.
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