John and Erin's Beer Butt Chicken Beer Can

Get ready to transform a humble whole chicken into a smoky, juicy masterpiece with "John and Erin's Beer Butt Chicken Beer Can" recipe! This playful take on classic beer can chicken combines perfectly seasoned skin with tender, steam-infused meat, thanks to the unique cooking technique of perching the bird on a can of your favorite beer. A custom spice rub featuring smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and thyme creates a flavorful crust, while the beer's steam ensures every bite is irresistibly moist. Whether grilled over indirect heat or roasted in the oven, this recipe is perfect for backyard barbecues or casual weeknight dinners. Serve this show-stopping chicken with your favorite sides for a meal that's as fun to prepare as it is to eat!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 4-5 lbs Whole chicken
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 can 12 oz can of beer (your choice)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). If using an oven, set up a rack in the middle position and place a baking sheet lined with foil underneath to catch drippings.

Step 2

Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity of the chicken. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3

Rub the entire chicken with olive oil, ensuring even coverage for a crispy skin. Then, mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture generously over the chicken, both on the skin and inside the cavity.

Step 4

Open the can of beer and take a few sips (about 1/4 cup) to make space. Using a sharp knife, carefully puncture a few extra holes at the top of the beer can for better steam release.

Step 5

Place the open beer can on a sturdy surface. Carefully lower the chicken onto the can so that the can sits upright and supports the chicken, with the legs forming a tripod shape for stability.

Step 6

If grilling, set up your grill for indirect cooking by placing coals or burners on the sides and leaving the middle section empty. Place the chicken (still on the beer can) on the cooler, indirect heat zone. Close the lid and cook for 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken (thigh) reaches 165°F (74°C). If oven roasting, place the chicken on the foil-lined baking sheet and cook for the same duration and temperature.

Step 7

Carefully remove the chicken from the heat source. Let it rest for 10 minutes before attempting to remove the beer can; the can and liquid will be very hot.

Step 8

Carve the chicken and serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful Beer Can Chicken!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2226.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	697.2

Total Fat 43.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 136.1mg	0%
Sodium 7250.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 21.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.6g	0%
Total Sugars 0.4g
Protein 38.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 72.1mg	0%
Iron 3.7mg	0%
Potassium 660.5mg	0%

*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: 62.3%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 13.5%