How do I keep the chicken from tipping over on the Big Green Egg?

If the chicken doesn’t sit securely on the beer can, use a small ring of foil to stabilize it or use a specialty beer can chicken stand.

Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes. Use canned broth, canned soda, or canned sparkling water. Avoid diet sodas due to artificial sweeteners.

How do I get extra crispy skin?

Make sure the skin is very dry before seasoning, leave the bird uncovered in the fridge for an hour before grilling, or raise the temperature to 375 for the last 10 minutes.

What wood chunks work best for smoking?

Applewood, hickory, or mesquite are all great choices depending on your preferred level of smokiness.

Big Green Egg Beer Can Chicken

Name: Big Green Egg Beer Can Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds, giblets removed and patted dry; 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 (12-ounce) can mild lager beer; 2 tablespoons smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 2 tablespoons onion powder; 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons black pepper; 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Description

Juicy and smoky, this Big Green Egg beer can chicken is an easy backyard dinner that delivers tender meat, crispy skin, and bold flavor with minimal effort. Cooked upright over indirect heat, it is a reliable, crowd pleasing recipe perfect for relaxed summer grilling.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds, giblets removed and patted dry
2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (12-ounce) can mild lager beer
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder

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Instructions

Preheat the Big Green Egg to 350 degrees Fahrenheit using indirect heat and install a heat deflector.
Combine all dry rub ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Pat the chicken completely dry, coat it with vegetable oil, and season thoroughly inside and out with the rub.
Pour out one quarter of the beer and carefully place the chicken upright over the can so it sits securely.
Place the chicken in the center of the grill, close the lid, and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thigh.
Remove from the grill, let rest for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the can and carve before serving.

Notes

If the chicken feels unstable, use a beer can chicken stand or create a small foil ring for support. If the skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Letting the chicken rest before carving keeps the meat juicy. Use a mild beer for best flavor and handle the hot can carefully with heatproof gloves.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 410
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 160mg