Go Back

Beer Butt Chicken

Beer Butt Chicken (also known as beer can chicken) is a quirky yet mouthwatering dish that’s guaranteed to impress your guests at any backyard BBQ.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 2 Lb. Whole Chickens (2 whole chickens)
  • 1 Tsp Sugar
  • 1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 Tsp Paprika
  • 1 Tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 Tsp Dry Mustard
  • 1 Tbl Salt
  • 1 Cup Apple Cider
  • 1 Tbl Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 12-ounce cans Beer

Equipment

  • 1 Gas Grill

Method
 

  1. Wash, dry, and chickens.
    Whole Chicken
  2. Create a rub with the dry ingredients. Season chickens generously inside and out with rub. Work mixture well into skin and under breast skin as much as possible. Cover and set aside at room temperature for an hour.
    chicken with dry rub
  3. Drink 1/2 the beer in each can. Place the can with remaining 1/2 inside, upright on smoker or grill, and lower chicken body cavity onto can (make sure can is covered with aluminum foil just on the outside only); the steam from the beer helps cook and keep the chicken tender.
    beer can
  4. Cook for 2–2 1/2 hours on slow, low heat. Meat thermometer should read 180° to be thoroughly done. We used our gas grill and cooked on lowest setting. Cooked 2 fryer chickens for 2 hours. Remove cans with mitts. Let rest for 30 minutes tented with foil.
    beer can chicken

Notes

You can use most any choice of liquid or seasoning. You can customize the flavor profile by adding spices, marinades, and your favorite seasonings to the chicken. You can use any beverage of your choice. Whether you prefer a smoky barbecue rub, a zesty lemon herb seasoning, or a spicy Cajun kick, Beer Butt Chicken is endlessly adaptable.