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Crispy Beer Can Chicken

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A simple and flavorful grilled whole chicken cooked upright on a beer can for juicy meat and crispy skin, perfect for casual weekends and backyard BBQs.

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds / 1.8 to 2.3 kg), fresh or thawed
  • Beer can (12 oz / 355 ml) of lager or pale ale
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Kosher salt (1 tablespoon)
  • Black pepper (1 teaspoon), freshly ground
  • Paprika (2 teaspoons), smoked paprika optional
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional)
  • Lemon (1, halved, optional)
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (a few sprigs, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to indirect medium heat around 375°F (190°C). For charcoal grills, bank the coals to one side; for gas grills, turn on half the burners.
  2. Remove giblets from the chicken and pat dry inside and out with paper towels.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well.
  4. Rub the entire chicken with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice blend, including under the skin where possible.
  5. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and herb sprigs if desired.
  6. Open the beer can and pour out or drink about a quarter of it. Place the can on a stable surface and carefully lower the chicken onto the can so it sits upright.
  7. Place the chicken upright on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, maintaining around 375°F (190°C).
  8. Check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone; it should read 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest tented with foil for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Notes

Dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Maintain indirect heat to avoid burning. Rest the chicken after cooking to redistribute juices. You can finish with direct heat for extra crispiness but watch carefully to prevent charring. Substitute beer with soda, apple juice, or water if desired. Oven roasting upright at 375°F for about 1 hour 20 minutes is an alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer can chicken, grilled chicken, crispy chicken, backyard BBQ, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, beer can cooking

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/crispy-beer-can-chicken-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-juicy-grill-perfection/