Grilled Beer Chicken

Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this irresistible Grilled Beer Chicken recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a smoky spice rub featuring paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of chili powder, this whole chicken is infused with the bold flavor and moisture of a lager or pale ale as it slow-cooks upright over an open flame. The beer can technique, combined with a hint of lemon juice and fresh thyme, ensures tender, juicy meat with crisp, golden skin every time. With just 15 minutes of prep, this show-stopping centerpiece is ideal for backyard barbecues, game-day gatherings, or any occasion that calls for finger-licking comfort food. Serve with your favorite sides and watch this savory masterpiece steal the spotlight at your next grill session!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 Whole chicken
• 12 oz Beer (lager or pale ale)
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar
• 1.5 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Fresh thyme
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 Beer can (empty and clean, with the top removed)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the chicken by removing any giblets and excess fat. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and fresh thyme to create a spice rub.

Step 3

Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible, to fully coat it in the seasoning.

Step 4

Pour half of the beer (6 oz) into the base of the clean, empty beer can. Add lemon juice to the beer in the can.

Step 5

Carefully position the chicken upright over the beer can so that the can is firmly inserted into the cavity, serving as a stand.

Step 6

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C) and set it up for indirect grilling. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on one side and place a drip pan on the other.

Step 7

Place the chicken (still sitting upright on the beer can) on the grill over the indirect heat portion. Close the lid.

Step 8

Grill the chicken for 80-90 minutes, checking periodically to ensure it is cooking evenly. Rotate the chicken gently as needed to avoid hotspots.

Step 9

The chicken is fully cooked when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 10

Carefully remove the chicken and beer can from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before gently removing the beer can and carving.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1847.6 grams (1847.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	818

Total Fat 54.20g	69%
Saturated Fat 9.90g	50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 105mg	35%
Sodium 3704mg	161%
Total Carbohydrate 34.80g	13%
Dietary Fiber 3.70g	13%
Total Sugars 10.10g
Protein 30.80g	62%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 80mg	6%
Iron 4mg	21%
Potassium 657mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.0%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 18.6%