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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 (405g)

Recipe makes 4 servings

The following items or measurements are not included below:

dry rub seasonings

Calories 705
Calories from Fat 435 (61%)
Amount Per Serving %DV
Total Fat 48.4g 74%
Saturated Fat 12.8g 63%
Monounsaturated Fat 19.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.6g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 207mg 69%
Sodium 1360mg 56%
Potassium 560mg 16%
Total Carbohydrate 4.6g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0.1g 0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 51.9g 103%

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Beer Can Chicken

Recipe #9549 | 1¾ hours | 5 min prep | add private note
Gay Gilmore

By: Gay Gilmore
Jun 24, 2001

From Off the Eaten Path Inspired Recipes for Adventurous Cooks by Bob Blumer

SERVES 4 (change servings and units)

Ingredients

  • 1 (4 lb) whole chicken

  • 1 (16 ounce) can beer (tall boy)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons dry rub seasonings (your favorite)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

  1. 1
    Set up your grill for indirect cooking.
  2. 2
    On a charcoal grill, this means spreading the coals around the outer edges, but not directly below the food.
  3. 3
    On a gas grill the outer burners are lit, but not the middle one.
  4. 4
    Once the grill is covered (which it should always be for indirect grilling) the circulating heat works like a convection oven, so there is no need to turn the food.
  5. 5
    Remove neck and giblets.
  6. 6
    Discard.
  7. 7
    Rinse chicken inside and out; pat dry with paper towels.
  8. 8
    Rub chicken lightly with oil, then rub inside and out with salt, pepper and dry rub.
  9. 9
    Set aside.
  10. 10
    Open beer can and take several gulps (make them big gulps so that the can is half full).
  11. 11
    Place beer can on a solid surface.
  12. 12
    Grabbing a chicken leg in each hand, plunk the bird cavity over the beer can.
  13. 13
    Transfer the bird-on-a-can to your grill and place in the center of the grate, balancing the bird on its two legs and the can like a tripod.
  14. 14
    Cook chicken over high indirect heat, with the grill cover on for approximately 1 1/4 hours or until the internal temperature registers 165°F in the breast area and 180°F in the thigh, or until the thigh juice runs clear when stabbed with a sharp knife.
  15. 15
    Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

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Featured Reviews for This Recipe

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From: ElvisPresley99

On Sep 6, 2009

Excellent! Should be renamed Succulent Chicken! Very moist, and full of flavor! I used a tall boy Guinness, rosemary, time and garlic in the can, and Lemon Pepper on the chicken....Good Stuff!

0 people found this review helpful

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  • reviewer icon

    From: CIndytc

    On Jun 18, 2009

    Boy my chicken turned out fabulous....I used a regular 12 oz. can of beer and one of those holders you can buy for the chicken. It turned out fabulous...bill be doing alot of this recipe this summer.

    0 people found this review helpful

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  • From: Pariah

    On Sep 4, 2002

    5 stars just for the unique factor involved! I used my own barbecue rub for this. I put about 2 tsps. of the rub inside the beer can, too. Chicken was moist and beautiful to behold! Important to note here that a full-flavored beer works better than some of the lighter brands.

    12 people found this review helpful

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  • reviewer icon

    From: Terri F.

    On Jul 7, 2002

    With whole chickens on sale at 49 cents a pound, I had to try this beer can recipe. Exceptional flavor, tender and juicy! I used McCormick Grill Mates for chicken for the rub and also added about a teaspoon full to the beer. Had to make a few adjustments to the charcoal grill so the chicken had room to "stand up" with the cover on. A 4 1/2 lb. chicken took about 90 minutes. I'll be making this again for sure.

    10 people found this review helpful

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  • Read all 55 reviews

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