12 Delicious BBQ Beer Can Chicken Recipes

Unleash the flavor of summer with our roundup of 12 delicious BBQ beer can chicken recipes that promise to be the star of your next cookout! Perfect for home cooks looking to impress, these recipes blend the smoky goodness of BBQ with the juicy tenderness of beer can chicken. Whether you’re a grill master or a weekend warrior, there’s a recipe here to elevate your BBQ game. Let’s dive in!

Classic BBQ Beer Can Chicken

Sometimes, the simplest methods yield the most impressive results, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with this Classic BBQ Beer Can Chicken. By following these methodical steps, even beginners can achieve a perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 lbs), patted dry
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 can (12 oz) of your favorite lager beer, half-consumed
• 2 tbsp clarified butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat by turning off the burners on one side or piling the charcoal to one side.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
3. Generously coat the entire chicken with the dry rub, ensuring to get under the skin where possible for maximum flavor.
4. Open the beer can and pour out half of it. Carefully place the chicken over the beer can so that the can is inserted into the cavity, allowing the chicken to stand upright.
5. Brush the outside of the chicken with the melted clarified butter to ensure a crispy skin.
6. Place the chicken, standing on the beer can, on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Carefully remove the chicken from the grill, letting it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Tip: Use tongs to hold the beer can while removing to avoid burns.

Velvety in texture with a smoky, slightly spicy crust, this beer can chicken is a showstopper. Serve it atop a platter of roasted vegetables or alongside a crisp, tangy coleslaw for a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Spicy BBQ Beer Can Chicken

Spicy BBQ Beer Can Chicken is a show-stopping dish that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the juicy tenderness of beer-can roasted chicken. Starting with a whole chicken, this recipe guides you through seasoning, propping, and roasting to perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), giblets removed
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 can (12 oz) pale ale beer, half-consumed
• 1/2 cup spicy BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp clarified butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F, ensuring indirect heat is available for even cooking.
2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt to create a dry rub.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then generously apply the dry rub both on the surface and under the skin for maximum flavor.
4. Open the beer can and pour out half of the contents. Carefully place the chicken over the beer can so it stands upright.
5. Brush the chicken with melted clarified butter to ensure a crispy skin.
6. Place the chicken on the grill or in the oven, using indirect heat, and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
7. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with spicy BBQ sauce to create a sticky, caramelized exterior.
8. Remove the chicken from the grill or oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before carefully removing the beer can and carving.

Yielded from this method is a chicken with crackling skin, infused with the subtle bitterness of beer and the heat of BBQ sauce. Serve it atop a platter of roasted vegetables or shred for tacos to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Honey Glazed BBQ Beer Can Chicken

Just when you thought BBQ chicken couldn’t get any better, we’re introducing a game-changer: Honey Glazed BBQ Beer Can Chicken. This method ensures a moist, flavorful bird with a crispy skin that’s simply irresistible. Follow these steps to achieve BBQ perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs), patted dry
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 can (12 oz) of your favorite beer, half-full
• 2 tbsp clarified butter, melted
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
3. Generously apply the dry rub all over the chicken, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
4. Open the beer can and pour out half. Place the half-full can on a stable surface and carefully lower the chicken onto it, ensuring the can fits snugly inside the cavity.
5. Brush the chicken with melted clarified butter to promote browning and crispiness.
6. Place the chicken, standing upright on the beer can, on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
7. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, mix honey and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Brush this glaze over the chicken for a sweet and tangy finish.
8. Carefully remove the chicken from the grill, letting it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Tip: Use tongs to hold the beer can while removing the chicken to avoid burns.

Yielded from this method is a chicken with a perfectly crispy skin, juicy meat, and a subtle beer-infused aroma. Serve it atop a wooden board surrounded by grilled vegetables for a rustic presentation that’s sure to impress.

Garlic Herb BBQ Beer Can Chicken

Every home cook deserves a show-stopping centerpiece for their BBQ, and this Garlic Herb BBQ Beer Can Chicken is just that. It’s a foolproof method to achieve juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin, infused with the aromatic blend of garlic and herbs, all while the beer can keeps it moist from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, approximately 4-5 lbs, patted dry
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 can (12 oz) of your favorite beer, half-full

Instructions

1. Preheat your BBQ grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme to create a paste.
3. Rub the paste evenly all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible, for maximum flavor.
4. Open the beer can and pour out half of the beer. Carefully place the chicken onto the beer can so it stands upright.
5. Place the chicken on the grill over indirect heat, using the beer can and the chicken legs to create a stable tripod.
6. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Remove the chicken from the grill, letting it rest for 10 minutes before carefully removing the beer can and carving.

Succulent and aromatic, this Garlic Herb BBQ Beer Can Chicken boasts a crispy skin with meat that falls off the bone. Serve it atop a platter of roasted vegetables or alongside a fresh garden salad for a meal that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.

Smoky BBQ Beer Can Chicken

Cooking a Smoky BBQ Beer Can Chicken is an adventure in flavors and techniques that will elevate your grilling game. This method ensures a juicy interior with a crispy, flavorful skin that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs), patted dry
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 can (12 oz) of your favorite beer, half consumed
• 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and dark brown sugar to create the dry rub.
3. Generously apply the dry rub all over the chicken, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
4. Open the beer can and pour out half of it. Add apple cider vinegar to the remaining beer in the can.
5. Place the beer can on a stable surface and carefully sit the chicken on top, ensuring the can is inserted into the cavity.
6. Transfer the chicken on the beer can to the grill, balancing it carefully over indirect heat.
7. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
8. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with smoky BBQ sauce to create a glossy, flavorful glaze.
9. Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for 10 minutes before carefully lifting it off the beer can.
10. Carve the chicken and serve immediately.

Your Smoky BBQ Beer Can Chicken will boast a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, with meat so tender it falls right off the bone. Try serving it alongside a crisp coleslaw and cornbread for a complete meal that celebrates the essence of summer grilling.

Maple Bourbon BBQ Beer Can Chicken

Venturing into the realm of BBQ with a twist, this Maple Bourbon BBQ Beer Can Chicken recipe is a game-changer for your summer cookouts. It combines the smoky flavors of BBQ with the sweet and boozy notes of maple and bourbon, all while keeping the chicken incredibly moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 whole pasture-raised chicken (4-5 lbs), giblets removed
• 1 can (12 oz) of your favorite ale, room temperature
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup clarified butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, bourbon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then brush the entire surface with the melted clarified butter.
4. Carefully pour out half of the ale from the can, then place the can on a stable surface. Lower the chicken onto the can so it stands upright.
5. Brush the chicken generously with the maple bourbon marinade, ensuring even coverage.
6. Place the chicken on the grill over indirect heat, cover, and cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Every 20 minutes, baste the chicken with the remaining marinade to build a flavorful crust.
8. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Carving into this Maple Bourbon BBQ Beer Can Chicken reveals juicy, tender meat with a perfectly crispy skin, infused with a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Serve it atop a rustic wooden board with grilled vegetables and a drizzle of the reduced marinade for an impressive presentation.

Citrus Infused BBQ Beer Can Chicken

Venturing into the realm of BBQ with a twist, this Citrus Infused BBQ Beer Can Chicken recipe marries the bold flavors of citrus and the smoky allure of BBQ, creating a dish that’s both aromatic and succulent. Perfect for beginners, this guide will walk you through each step with precision.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (approximately 4 lbs), patted dry
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 can (12 oz) of your favorite beer, half-consumed
• 1 orange, halved
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary to create a rub.
3. Generously apply the rub all over the chicken, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
4. Open the beer can and pour out half of it. Squeeze the juice of one orange half and one lemon half into the can, then drop the squeezed halves inside.
5. Place the chicken cavity over the beer can, ensuring it stands upright. The legs and can should form a stable tripod.
6. Carefully transfer the chicken on the can to the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Remove the chicken from the grill, letting it rest for 10 minutes before carefully removing the beer can and carving.

Delightfully juicy with a crispy skin, this chicken boasts a harmonious blend of citrus and smoky flavors. Serve it atop a platter of grilled vegetables or alongside a fresh arugula salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Cajun Style BBQ Beer Can Chicken

One of the most foolproof ways to achieve a juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin is by preparing it Cajun style on a beer can. This method not only infuses the meat with a rich, spicy flavor but also ensures it stays moist throughout the cooking process.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs), patted dry
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, homemade or store-bought
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup clarified butter, melted
• 1 can (12 oz) of your favorite beer, half consumed

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create a dry rub.
3. Generously season the entire chicken, including under the skin, with the dry rub.
4. Pour the clarified butter over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated for a crispy skin.
5. Open the beer can, drink or discard half, and place the chicken over the can so it stands upright.
6. Carefully transfer the chicken on the beer can to the grill, ensuring it’s stable and not touching the grill grates.
7. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thigh.
8. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carefully removing the beer can and carving.

Key to this dish’s success is the balance of spicy, smoky flavors and the unparalleled juiciness from the beer steam. Serve it atop a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or alongside a crisp, tangy coleslaw for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Asian Inspired BBQ Beer Can Chicken

Now, let’s dive into creating an Asian Inspired BBQ Beer Can Chicken that’s sure to impress. This dish combines the smoky flavors of BBQ with the aromatic spices of Asia, resulting in a juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs), patted dry
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (12 oz) lager beer, room temperature
• 1 tbsp five-spice powder
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and five-spice powder to create the marinade.
3. Rub the marinade evenly under the skin and over the entire surface of the chicken, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated.
4. Open the beer can and pour out half of the beer. Place the can on a stable surface and carefully lower the chicken onto it, ensuring the can fits snugly inside the cavity.
5. Place the beer can chicken on the grill over indirect heat. Cover the grill and cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
6. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the brown sugar over the chicken to create a caramelized glaze.
7. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill, letting it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

The chicken will have a crispy, caramelized exterior with a moist, tender interior, infused with the rich flavors of hoisin and five-spice. Serve it alongside a fresh Asian slaw or over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

BBQ Beer Can Chicken with Root Beer Glaze

Creating a succulent BBQ Beer Can Chicken with Root Beer Glaze is easier than you might think, and the results are impressively flavorful. Carefully follow these steps to achieve a perfectly glazed, tender chicken that will be the highlight of any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 whole pasture-raised chicken (4-5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp clarified butter, melted
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 can (12 oz) root beer
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then brush it evenly with melted clarified butter.
4. Generously apply the dry rub all over the chicken, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
5. Open the can of root beer and pour out half, then place the can on a stable surface.
6. Carefully lower the chicken onto the can so it stands upright, ensuring the can is inserted into the cavity.
7. Place the chicken on the grill over indirect heat, balancing it carefully to prevent tipping.
8. Close the grill lid and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
9. While the chicken cooks, combine the remaining root beer, dark brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan over medium heat.
10. Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a glaze.
11. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken liberally with the root beer glaze.
12. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the grill, letting it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Here’s how it turns out: the chicken boasts a crispy, flavorful skin with meat that’s incredibly juicy and infused with a sweet, tangy glaze. Serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

BBQ Beer Can Chicken with Apple Cider Vinegar

Here’s a foolproof method to achieve a succulent, flavor-packed BBQ beer can chicken that’s sure to impress. By incorporating apple cider vinegar into the mix, we’re adding a subtle tang that perfectly complements the smokiness of the grill.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, approximately 4-5 lbs, patted dry
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 can (12 oz) of your favorite beer, half-full
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a dry rub.
3. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, then evenly apply the dry rub mixture, ensuring coverage under the skin where possible for maximum flavor.
4. Open the beer can and pour out half of the beer. Add apple cider vinegar to the beer can, then carefully place the chicken onto the can so it stands upright.
5. Place the chicken on the grill over indirect heat, using the beer can as a stand. Close the grill lid.
6. Cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
7. Carefully remove the chicken from the grill, letting it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Tip: Use tongs to hold the beer can while removing to avoid burns.

With its crispy skin and juicy interior, this BBQ beer can chicken offers a harmonious blend of smoky and tangy flavors. Serve it atop a platter of roasted vegetables or alongside a fresh coleslaw for a complete meal that delights the senses.

BBQ Beer Can Chicken with Chipotle Pepper

Now, let’s dive into the art of preparing a succulent BBQ Beer Can Chicken with Chipotle Pepper, a dish that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the subtle heat of chipotle. This method ensures a moist, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs), giblets removed
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 can (12 oz) lager beer, room temperature
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the can
• 1/4 cup clarified butter, melted
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F, setting it up for indirect heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then evenly coat the entire surface with the dry rub, including under the skin where possible.
4. Open the beer can and pour out half of the beer. Add the chopped chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to the remaining beer in the can.
5. Place the beer can on a stable surface and carefully lower the chicken onto the can so it stands upright, ensuring the can is inserted into the cavity.
6. Brush the chicken with melted clarified butter, covering all exposed areas for a golden, crispy skin.
7. Place the chicken on the grill over indirect heat, using the beer can and the chicken legs to form a stable tripod. Close the grill lid.
8. Cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
9. Carefully remove the chicken from the grill, letting it rest for 10 minutes before carefully lifting it off the beer can.
10. Carve the chicken and serve immediately, ensuring to drizzle any remaining juices over the slices for added moisture and flavor.

Unbelievably tender and infused with a smoky, slightly spicy flavor, this BBQ Beer Can Chicken with Chipotle Pepper is a showstopper. Serve it alongside a crisp coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete meal that celebrates the essence of outdoor cooking.

Conclusion

Oven-ready or grill-bound, these 12 BBQ beer can chicken recipes promise to spice up your cooking game! Perfect for any home cook looking to impress, each recipe offers a unique twist on this classic dish. We’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite—drop us a comment below and don’t forget to share the love on Pinterest. Happy cooking!