This Beer Can Chicken is a visually impressive and incredibly flavorful dish, perfect for outdoor grilling. The whole chicken is seasoned with a bold mix of spices—smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper—giving the skin a beautifully crisp and golden-brown finish.

Perched on an upright beer can, the chicken roasts evenly while absorbing subtle, malty steam from the beer, which keeps the meat juicy and tender inside. As the beer evaporates, it infuses the chicken with a light, aromatic flavor. You can even add fresh herbs or lemon to the beer for extra zest.

The bird sits proudly on the grill, surrounded by flames and smoke, with the skin turning crispy and the meat becoming tender. The final product is juicy, with perfectly roasted thighs and breasts that pull away easily from the bone. Grilled vegetables like corn and potatoes can accompany the chicken, making it an ideal, rustic centerpiece for a summer barbecue.

The aroma of spices and roasted chicken will draw everyone to the table, and slicing into the crispy skin reveals juicy, moist meat inside. This dish is both fun to make and delightful to eat!

Beer Can Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 1 can of beer (12 oz)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 lemon (optional, for extra zest)
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional, for additional aroma)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C). Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken, making sure to coat the entire bird.
3. Prepare the Beer Can: Open the beer and drink (or pour out) about 1/3 of it. You can also add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon into the beer for added flavor. Place the half-full beer can upright on a sturdy surface and carefully position the chicken cavity over the can, so it’s sitting upright.
4. Grill the Chicken: Carefully place the beer can and chicken upright on the preheated grill. Close the grill lid and cook the chicken for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill (use tongs to carefully take it off the beer can). Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite side dishes!