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Home / Recipes
1 hour 25 minutes
4.49 from 285 votes
102 Comments

Beer Can Chicken

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  • 1902
by: Joanna Cismaru

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Beer Can Chicken is incredibly delicious, juicy and moist. This chicken is perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices and baked to a crispy perfection. The steam from the beer creates an unbelievably moist chicken, you’ll love it from the very first bite. 

Beer Can Chicken on top of a beer can

Beer Can Chicken

I started making beer can chicken a few years ago and ever since then it’s been a family favorite. I can honestly say that this chicken is probably the most juicy and delicious chicken and a million times better than the roasted chickens you get at the grocery store. The steam from the beer creates an amazing juicy chicken. 

This chicken is roasted at a pretty high temperature of 425 F degrees, it gets nice and crispy all around, no more soggy chicken on the bottom. Because this chicken stands up on the beer can, it cooks evenly all around giving you crispy skin and juicy meat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

beer can chicken ingredients
  • Garlic Powder
  • Pepper
  • Chili Powder
  • Salt
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Tarragon
  • Brown Sugar
  • Beer
  • Whole Chicken

You don’t want to skip the brown sugar because it caramelizes the skin nicely, it’s so worth it. Don’t worry about it adding too much sweetness, this chicken is still pretty savoury.

How to Make Beer Can Chicken in the Oven

I found this amazing beer can chicken pan at a local kitchen store and I simply love it. You can find it on amazon here. It really is super simple to use it for beer can chicken because the beer can fits nicely inside and then when you place the chicken over it, it’s nice and snug. However, you don’t need a special pan to make this chicken. I have made this in a regular roasting pan.

Start by mixing all the rub ingredients together in a small bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken  and rub it in all over. Sprinkle over the rub and use your hands to massage all the rub into all the nooks and crannies.

Open the can of beer and pour about 1/4 of it into the roasting pan and set the can of beer in the center of the roasting pan. Place the chicken upright over the beer can and drizzle the olive oil over the chicken.

Transfer to the oven for baking and you’re done.

How Long to Bake Beer Can Chicken in the Oven

You’ll need to bake it for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes in a 425 F degree preheated oven. To properly test if the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check and make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165F/75C degrees.

Beer Can Chicken process shots

Grilled Beer Can Chicken

The great thing about this chicken is that you can also grill it and it will turn out just as delicious and amazing.

  1. Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat, with all burners lit. Prepare the chicken as stated in the instructions with the spice rub and oil.
  2. Make sure the beer can is open, and only half-filled with beer, don’t throw away the other half, drink it!
  3. Lower the chicken onto the beer can, making sure the chicken sits upright.
  4. Place the chicken on the grill, use the legs and beer can to support the chicken and keep it stable.
  5. Cover the grill and let it cook. Check it after an hour, then every 15 minutes or so. As with the oven, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken and make sure it reaches 165 F degrees.

What Beer to Use for Beer Can Chicken

Here’s the great news! It doesn’t really matter what beer you use. Use whatever you have in the house. I’ve used all different sort of beers and the result is always the same. There really is no need to be fancy with your beer.

Beer Can Chicken carved on a platter

Expert Tips

  1. Don’t be stingy on the spices, use your hands to really rub them in all the nooks and crannies. Your hands are the best tools.
  2. Use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken is cooked through. This really is the best way to tell. I used it every single time, even though I cook chicken often. It really is the best way to make sure your chicken is cooked through.
  3. After you take the chicken out of the oven or off the grill, do not carve it right away. Let it sit and rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will ensure the chicken stays juicy and moist.
  4. Experiment with the spices. You don’t have to use my spice mix combination, use whatever you have in your spice cabinet and what you love.

What to Serve With Beer Can Chicken

Here are some delicious side dishes I love serving my chicken with:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Macaroni salad
  • Greek salad
  • Italian Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
  • Baked Mac and Cheese
  • Roasted Broccoli

How Do You Store Leftover Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from this chicken, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

pouring gravy on carved Beer Can Chicken

More Must Try Chicken Recipes

  • Mushroom and Chicken in Beer Sauce
  • Meatballs in Beer Sauce with Leeks
  • Breakfast Beer Braised Pork Tacos
  • Beer and Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers
  • Roast Chicken
  • Spatchcock Chicken
  • Roasted Cornish Hens
  • Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken
  • Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Looking for more recipes? Follow on… My Newsletter Pinterest Facebook Instagram

roasted beer can chicken

Beer Can Chicken

4.49 from 285 votes
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 1 hr 15 mins
Total: 1 hr 25 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 6
Print Pin Rate
This Beer Can Chicken is incredibly delicious, juicy and moist. This chicken is perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices and baked to a crispy perfection. The steam from the beer creates an unbelievably moist chicken, you’ll love it from the very first bite. 

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken whole, 3 – 4 lb chicken
  • 12 ounce beer can, I’ve used Sleeman’s honey brown, Pilsner, Coor’s light
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil

For the rub

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon tarragon dried
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Prepare oven and roasting pan: Preheat oven to 425 F degrees. Place a small roasting pan on a baking dish to prevent making a total mess of your oven.
  • Prepare chicken: Remove any giblets from the chicken if it has any and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Place beer can on roasting pan: Open the can of beer and pour about 1/4 of it into the roasting pan and set the can of beer in the center of the roasting pan.
  • Prepare spice rub: Mix all the rub ingredients together in a bowl.
  • Season chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken  and rub it in all over. Sprinkle over the rub and use your hands to massage all the rub into all the nooks and crannies.
  • Place chicken over beer can: Place the chicken upright over the beer can. Use the chicken legs to support its body and it acts like a tripod, preventing the chicken from falling over.
  • Bake: Transfer the roasting pan to the oven. Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until golden and cooked through. To check to see if it’s done, insert a knife into the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices should run clear. To properly test if the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check and make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165F/75C degrees.
  • Remove chicken from roasting pan: Carefully lift the chicken off the can. To make this easier, have someone else help you remove the chicken while you  hold the beer can.
  • Let the chicken rest and carve: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil. Let it sit for 15 minutes before carving it.

Video

Recipe Notes

  1. Baking time could vary since each oven is different. 
  2. Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  3. Gravy: Don’t throw away those pan juices, use them to make a delicious gravy. In a small bowl whisk together 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water. Add this right in the roasting pan and whisk over medium-high heat. Bring to simmer and cook until liquid thickens. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Nutrition: Nutritional information assumes a 3.5 lb chicken. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 374kcal (19%)Carbohydrates: 5g (2%)Protein: 24g (48%)Fat: 26g (40%)Saturated Fat: 6g (38%)Cholesterol: 95mg (32%)Sodium: 484mg (21%)Potassium: 297mg (8%)Sugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 830IU (17%)Vitamin C: 2.1mg (3%)Calcium: 22mg (2%)Iron: 1.6mg (9%)
Course:Main Course
Cuisine:American
Keyword:beer can chicken, oven roasted chicken
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
  • 1902

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Ajs says

    January 7, 2022 at 12:19 pm

    HEALTH TIP: I use a tall half pint mason jar for the beer. It fits into the beer can holder and my chicken doesn’t get infused with the can inks and heavy metals

    Reply
  2. Rick says

    July 4, 2021 at 9:18 pm

    5 stars
    I read this today and made it for dinner. This has to be the best Beer Can Chicken I’ve ever made and believe me, I’ve made made.

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team AMJ says

      July 5, 2021 at 9:07 am

      That’s great Rick! So happy this recipe was to your liking!

      Reply
  3. Ashley says

    June 14, 2021 at 7:18 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! This chicken was absolutely amazing!!! Follow it directly and it is absolutely delicious!!! I did use dark brown sugar and baked it in the oven exactly! When I checked the temperature one the hour mark it said 145° so I did the 15 mins extra and then it said 180° so I thought i overcooked it but I absolutely did not! It was falling off the bone ❤ when I cut the chicken up I rubbed the chicken without seasoning in the juices and seasoning so it had the flavor and oh my! This recipe is being added to my favorite recipes of all time!!

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team AMJ says

      June 15, 2021 at 8:57 am

      Hi Ashley,

      We’re so glad you had such a great experience cooking this! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

      Reply
  4. Dan T says

    May 14, 2021 at 5:32 am

    How much of which Ingredient for the rub you don’t mention it how can you be a cook and not measure out your ingredients

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      May 14, 2021 at 8:58 am

      You must not be looking at the recipe card, you can either click on the “Jump To Recipe” button at the top of the post or scroll down to the recipe card.

      Reply
  5. Juan Tootree says

    May 7, 2021 at 1:07 pm

    5 stars
    Rarely do I give anything a 5 star but I finally found the perfect roast chicken in the oven recipe! I used my own rub (Mexican asado style chicken rub) but using the time and heat given it came out super tender and good!

    Reply
  6. Rowena says

    April 21, 2021 at 4:21 pm

    5 stars
    I forgot to rate this. Oops. I didn’t end up making gravy. I put sweet potatoes and small potatoes in the roasting pan with the chicken. Turned out awesome.

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      April 21, 2021 at 6:34 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  7. Rowena Ferrer says

    April 21, 2021 at 2:39 pm

    How do you get it so the skin doesn’t burn? I have a convect oven, (not a choice) and I had put it on roast instead of bake. Does baking it vs roasting it make a difference?
    I’m making this now, so I hope it turns out. Will let you know 😉

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      April 21, 2021 at 2:57 pm

      I have a convection oven as well and with my oven, if I use roast, it seems to crisp up the skin more and cook faster than on bake. But you’re seeing the opposite which is weird. However, if you find the skin has already browned to your liking, simply cover it with aluminum foil and finish cooking it that way.

      Reply
      • Rowena says

        April 21, 2021 at 4:19 pm

        I did change it to bake and it turned out wonderfully, thank you.
        I’ve tried a few of your recipes now and really enjoy them. Thanks for sharing!!

  8. Jess says

    January 13, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve made this a handful of times at this point and it’s just a go-to recipe. I like the rub so much, I now use it for spatchcock chicken just to cut down on cooking time. Had to invest in a giant container of tarragon just for this recipe. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      January 13, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      Love to hear it! So glad you like it 🙂

      Reply
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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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