Beer Can Chicken on Pellet Grill

This beer can chicken on a pellet grill is extremely simple to make. The entire chicken is rubbed down in a homemade dry rub and then steamed with your favorite beer to create juicy and tender meat. You have the option of making this dish on any pellet grill or smoker.

Smoked beer can chicken, or, as some would prefer, root beer chicken, is one of those things that people love to do on the grill or smoker.

It is extremely cool to know that the presentation and aesthetics play a huge role in the meal, even though the science seems to show that the liquid is not all that important.

So, it is time to wow your guests at your next backyard barbecue with this mouth-watering and simple-to-make beer can chicken on a pellet grill.

This recipe comes with the unique flavors of smoke along with the subtle infusion of beer.

This juicy, tender chicken with a smoky flavor and crunchy skin is just ideal for any event.

What Is It? Why Beer Can and Beer?

This is a cooking technique that requires standing an entire chicken upright on a half-filled can of beer, which is then placed on a grill, in an oven, or on a smoker.

The beer steams and imbues the meat with moisture and flavor as the chicken cooks. This will help keep the meat moist and succulent.

Now, if you want to make this, just crack open a can of beer and drink half of it, or pour it out if it isn’t your thing.

Then, make sure you leave half of it in the can, and that is just enough to create steam.

After that, the chicken is placed over the can, and you can do this by inserting it into the cavity of the chicken. Ensure that the chicken is balanced on the can and the legs.

Why You’ll Love a Smoked Beer Can Chicken

The beer helps keep the chicken nice and moist; that way, you will get a lot of juicy cuts of chicken breast along with delectably crunchy drumsticks and wings.

It is an extremely easy whole chicken recipe for the Traeger or any other pellet grill for that matter, such as Z-Grill, Green Mountain, or Pit Boss.

You will get a juicy, smoky whole chicken with crunchy skin as a result in no time.

The simple chicken seasoning comes with great flavor, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself using it on everything.

Pellet Grill Beer Can Chicken

With this simple pellet grill beer can chicken recipe, you will get succulent, juicy, and finger-licking chicken with crispy skin.

This recipe is perfect for any pellet grill; it is tested and trusted, and it is perfect for feeding a crowd or making leftovers for other recipes.

• Course: Lunch, Dinner
• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes
• Servings: 5 servings

Ingredients

• 4.5 to 5 pounds of whole chicken (make sure that the giblets have been removed)

Homemade Dry Rub or Any Store-Bought Rub

• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (use enough to fully coat the chicken)
• 1 ½ tablespoons of brown sugar or brown sweetener
• 2 teaspoons of chili powder
• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 1 can of beer (use a 12-ounce can, but only half of the beer, so 6 ounces)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Laid-Out Instructions

• First, you are to preheat your pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, then proceed to pat the chicken dry. Also, ensure that you remove all of the contents from the inner cavity.
• That being done, spray the chicken with olive oil, season the whole chicken, and rub the spices into the skin.
• Now, you are to place the half-full beer can on a sheet pan, then place the seasoned chicken over the beer can to insert the can into the cavity of the chicken. I suggest you use a sheet pan, given that it is much easier to remove the chicken from the grill when it is hot.
• After that, place the chicken on the grill and smoke until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees F. Keep in mind that the cooking time will differ as it is determined by the size of your chicken and can range from 3 to 6 hours.
• If what you want is crispy skin, then when the chicken reaches 150 degrees of internal temperature, proceed to adjust the heat on the grill to 350 degrees and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• I suggest you get a probe or meat thermometer, as you will need it to test. Make sure you test the thickest part of the chicken, which is normally between the thigh and the leg or breast. Also, ensure that, at least, it reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees. Normally, I test several areas of the chicken just to be sure.
• Now that that is done, allow the chicken to rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes before you slice it to allow the juices to settle. You will get yourself dry chicken if you proceed to slice too soon. Also, ensure that you are careful while removing the can so that you don’t spill any beer.

Uses and Serving Recommendations

You can eat this warm and juicy chicken with:

• Bright and fresh tomato watermelon salad
• Rice and creamy coleslaw
• A light and crispy cucumber salad
• Some easy roasted Mexican potatoes

You have the option of using the leftovers for:

• Dairy-free buffalo chicken dip
• An easy crustless chicken pot pie
• Some crispy homemade chicken salad
• Easy Thai-inspired chicken salad

Storage

You can store your leftovers, if you have any, in a tightly sealed container and place them in the fridge. This will make it last for up to 4 to 5 days.

Recipe FAQs

What is the Best Type of Wood Pellets to Use for Smoked Beer Can Chicken?

When it comes to smoked beer can chicken, the best wood pellets include apple, mesquite, cherry, hickory, pecan, and Signature Blend.

However, you are still free to experiment with different pellets to find your favorite. You also have the option of mixing them.

Why Use Beer to Cook Chicken?

The reason for using beer or any liquid, for that matter, is to help keep the inside of the bird moist during the cooking process.

On the other hand, you can use stock or probably water if that’s what you prefer.

Can You Smoke Beer Can Chicken?

Well, of course, you can cook beer can chicken on the smoker or pellet grill.

Fortunately, it is easy and simple. All you need to do is place the chicken on top of a can of beer and toss it on the grill until it is done.

What Do You Serve Smoked Chicken With?

Luckily, your smoked beer can chicken goes with more or less anything.

You can serve it with smoked mashed potatoes, smoked baked potatoes, or smoked mac and cheese. Smoked queso dip is an excellent option for an appetizer.

Final Thoughts

For this, just make sure that you place the beer can directly in the cavity of the chicken.

The beer can is there to help keep the meat upright during the smoke.

And, of course, you are to use a pair of tongs or oven-proof gloves to remove the beer can.

Now, you can go and create the best beer can chicken on a pellet grill with this easy recipe.