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Crispy Beer Can Chicken Recipe Easy Grilled with Perfectly Charred Skin

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This crispy beer can chicken recipe delivers perfectly charred skin and juicy meat with a simple spice rub and easy grilling technique, perfect for backyard gatherings and quick weekend meals.

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs / 1.8-2.3 kg)
  • Beer (12 oz / 355 ml can) – standard lager or pale ale
  • Olive oil (2-3 tbsp)
  • Salt (1 tbsp kosher salt)
  • Black pepper (1 tsp, freshly ground)
  • Paprika (1 tbsp)
  • Garlic powder (1 tsp)
  • Onion powder (1 tsp)
  • Dried thyme or rosemary (1 tsp, optional)
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional, for inside the bird)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill for indirect medium heat, aiming for about 350°F (175°C). If using charcoal, bank the coals to one side.
  2. Remove giblets from the chicken and pat dry inside and out with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
  4. Rub olive oil all over the bird, then generously apply the spice rub, including inside the cavity.
  5. Open the beer and pour out about a third, leaving roughly 8 oz (240 ml) in the can.
  6. Carefully place the cavity over the beer can, making sure it stands upright. Use a holder or balance carefully on the grill.
  7. Position the chicken over indirect heat, cover the grill, and cook for about 60-75 minutes.
  8. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. When it reads 165°F (74°C), the chicken is done.
  9. Carefully remove the bird and let it rest upright for 10 minutes before carving.
  10. Slice carefully to keep the skin intact, and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Pat the chicken skin completely dry before seasoning for best crispiness. Use indirect heat to avoid burning the skin. Rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. If skin isn’t crisping enough, move chicken closer to heat for last 5-10 minutes but watch carefully. Avoid poking or moving the chicken too much during cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer can chicken, grilled chicken, crispy chicken, backyard grilling, easy chicken recipe, smoky chicken, summer cookout

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/crispy-beer-can-chicken-recipe-easy-grilled-with-perfectly-charred-skin/