Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Fire up the smoker and make this Smoked Beer Can Chicken that is the most juicy and tender chicken you have ever eaten!
Ingredients
Dry Rub:
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Beer Can Chicken:
- 1 whole roasting chicken 4-5 pounds
- 1 can of beer see notes*
- ¼ cup ghee or butter melted (optional)
Instructions
- Dry Rub: In a small bowl, add 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon coriander, and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger. Mix and set aside.
- Prep Smoker: Turn on smoker according to manufacturer's instructions and set to 225℉.
- Prep Chicken: Remove any gizzards from the inside of 1 whole roasting chicken and then pat dry with a paper towel. Rub dry rub all over the outside of the chicken ensuring you get it into every nook and cranny.
- Insert Beer Can: Open 1 can of beer and carefully place the top of the beer can inside the cavity of the chicken, setting the chicken upright. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together and try and tuck the wings in a bit.
- Cook: Place on the smoker and close. Let smoke for 1 - 1 ½ hours. Raise smoker temperature to 350℉. Open the smoker 2-3 times, during the cook time, to quickly baste with melted ghee or butter (if you want).
- Remove + Rest: Remove when the internal temperature reaches 160-165℉ and let rest 10 minutes (the internal temp will continue to raise during the rest time). Feel free to baste one more time as it is resting.
- Serve: Remove beer from the cavity and carve chicken.
Notes
- Seasoning: we love the smoked chicken dry rub included in the recipe card, but feel free to use whatever works best for you!
- Can of Beer: I like to buy the extra-tall beer cans for this recipe so that it is easier to get the chicken on there!
- Beer Can Alternatives: if you aren't thrilled about using an actual beer can for this recipe you can always use a beer can stand/chicken throne in it's place.
- Cooking Time: the ultimate amount of cooking time depends upon a lot of factors such as the size/shape of your chicken, if you have hot spots on your smoker, temperature outside, wind and humidity. So, you have to be a little flexible when it comes to cooking time and smoking - the best way to know when the chicken is done is to watch the internal temp.
- Storage: store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Leftovers: make a batch of the best smoked chicken salad recipe!
Nutrition
Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 940mg | Potassium: 223mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
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