Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe

Make juicy and flavorful chicken right on the grill with this smoked beer can chicken recipe! No special tools are needed, just the right seasonings, herbs, and your favorite canned beer to make the most delicious whole-smoked chicken dish.

Why This Recipe Works

Moist & Tender: There is a reason that beer can chicken is a thing! Adding a can of beer underneath the chicken keeps the meat extremely moist and adds a lovely flavor! Don’t worry, all the alcohol will be cooked out and you are left with the juiciest chicken ever!

Bold Flavors: The BBQ dry rub along with the beer in this smoked beer can chicken makes this chicken bold and flavorful! Not to mention that it is infused with smoky goodness from the smoker.

Easy to Prepare: Although it takes some time to smoke a whole chicken, it doesn’t take that much effort. With minimal ingredients, you will make an amazingly delicious chicken! Never have to buy a rotisserie chicken at the store again!

Supplies Needed

• Sheet Pan
• Foil Pan

Ingredients

• Beer: I like to use a light wheat beer or light pale ale for this smoked beer can chicken recipe. I would avoid very strong tasting beers like IPAs or stouts! You need specifically a can of beer here.
• Lemon & Rosemary: Fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges will go inside the beer can along with the beer to add flavor from the inside out of the chicken.
• Chicken: Use a whole chicken for this recipe!
• BBQ Dry Rub: You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ dry rub, or try my homemade dry rub.
• Olive Oil: To coat the chicken before seasoning!
• Butter: Use melted butter to baste the chicken and keep it extra moist during the smoking process.

Preparation

1. Preheat & Prep Beer Can: Preheat the smoker to 225 F. and set it for indirect heat. Pour in a glass (or drink) 1/3 cup of the beer from the can. Stuff a few lemon sedges and the rosemary sprig into the can and set it aside.
2. Prep the Chicken: Prepare the chicken by removing from the packaging, patting it dry, and removing any organs from the inside if needed.
3. Season the Chicken: Lightly oil the outside of the chicken and season it all over and inside the cavity with your favorite BBQ dry rub.
4. Place on Beer: Place the can onto a baking sheet and carefully place the chicken onto the beer can. It should be stable and hold itself upright without any stands or other accessories.

Smoking Instructions

1. Smoke: Smoke the beer can chicken directly on the grill grates. I do recommend adding a foil pan under the grate to catch any beer or drippings (this is also great to add back onto the chicken after smoking). Smoke the beer can chicken for about 1.5-2 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150 F in the thickest part of the breast. Baste with the melted butter every 30-45 minutes as needed.
2. Increase Temp: When the chicken reaches 150 F, increase the grill temperature to 425 F and let the skin get crispy.
3. Remove: Remove the beer can chicken from the smoker when the internal temperature is 160-165 F.
4. Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes and then carefully remove the can (it will be hot!). Carve up the chicken or pull it and serve with the juices from the foil pan and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Cooking time will vary! Depending on the size of your chicken, it might take longer to cook your chicken in the smoker. I used a 4 lb chicken here. If your chicken is bigger, be sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature with a meat thermometer!
• When placing the chicken onto the beer can, the legs should be towards the beer can! That way, the majority of the weight is towards the bottom and it will be stable.
• This smoked beer can chicken is perfect for meal prep! Shred or dice it up and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What To Serve With Beer Can Chicken

This smoked beer can chicken recipe is super versatile and can be served with a bunch of different sides to create a satisfying meal! It’s delicious with simple grilled veggies or a more elevated fresh salad like this arugula salad with goat cheese. Typically, I like making this beer can chicken in the summertime, so I serve it with some delicious summertime sides like:

• Smoked Baked Beans
• Corn on the Cob
• Grilled Esquites
• Grilled Broccoli Salad
• Succotash Recipe
• Potato Salad

More Recipes To Try

• Baked BBQ Chicken Wings
• Smoked Chicken Breast
• Whole Roasted Chicken Shawarma
• Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings
• Garlic Herb Chicken with Fire Roasted Bruschetta