How to Smoke Beer Can Chicken
There is no surprise why this is one of our most popular smoking recipes. This is one of those recipes that actually gives you an excuse to drink beer. Beer can chicken is an American classic dish that as about as much aesthetic appeal as smoking chicken can get. Sometimes called, "Beer butt chicken", this simple beer can chicken recipe will walk you through the step by step directions from ingredients and how to prep the bird to setting up your grill or smoker for indirect grilling. You will be surprised at how easy this dish is to make even if you have not smoked a lot of meats. Feel free to swap out our recommended chicken rub ingredients with your own rub or even a chicken rub that you buy off the shelves of your local grocery store.
Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 16 ounce can of your favorite beer (drink half)
- 1 beer can chicken stand (optional)
- 1 meat injector
Smoked Beer Can Chicken Rub Seasoning Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, olive, or canola)
- 1/4 cup coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
Other Smoking Recipe Ingredients
- 1 bag of charcoal
- 1 bottle of lighter fluid or a charcoal chimney starter
- 1 or 2 bags of wood chips of your choice
- Aluminum foil
Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe Directions
Smoked Beer Can Chicken Smoking Time
A 4 pound (lb) chicken will usually take around 2 hours or more to smoke. If you don't have a meat thermometer, a way to tell if the chicken is done is to poke it deeply with a knife, if the juices run clear and not pink, the chicken is done. We always recommend using a meat thermometer in conjunction with our meat temperature chart to make sure you remove all meats from the smoker at the prefect temperature.
Back to smoked chicken recipes >
See all smoked recipes >