WATCH FIRST, READ NEXT
Beer Can Chicken
Reviving an old trend with Beer Can Chicken! The object is to have flavorful and moist chicken for a meal. This can be accomplished by cooking a whole chicken “standing” or maybe it is actually “sitting”? On a can of beer, or other liquids (look over our tips for options!) that have seasonings in them to impart yumminess into the wonderful chicken. We love the versatility of this recipe, you can cook the chicken in the BBQ grill, or the smoker, and the oven! Give this recipe a try and post and tag us (@acmesaltco) on your creation!
DIFFICULTY
Medium
TIME
4 Hours +

BUDGET
$$
The Ingredients
Serves: 6
- 1 -3.5 pound whole chicken
- (1) 16 oz can of your favorite Ale or Lager*
- 3 to 4 TBS Acme BBQ Rub #103 or STK Blend
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 ¼ Cup Chicken Broth If You Aren’t Using Beer (Keep in Mind Flavors & Roast Won’t Be the Same)
Tips
KEEP IN MIND
- Don’t stress when cooking with alcohol, the length of time in a hot oven removes the alcohol. But, if you just don’t want to, read on!
- No Alcohol, No Worries. You can easily make this as Soda Can Chicken! You need to use an empty, clean can. (Using soda, like a cola, will cause burning because of the sugars in the drink.) You will need to make a small amount of Chicken Brine to put in the can.
- Chickens, like people, come in a wide variety of sizes, so use this recipe as a guide. And if your chicken is bigger you might need a 16 oz can. Just be sure the legs are able to help support the can. If your chicken is larger than 3.5lbs, we suggest having a bit more beer!
The Method
Step 1
Prepare your chicken. Remove anything that might be in the cavity of the chicken. These are items that can be tasty if you know how to prepare them, but also ok to throw out if you choose. No need to wash the chicken. Dry it off with paper towels. Throw away the soiled paper towels.
Step 2
Get a large zip top bag out, or a dish that you can place the chicken on. You will use 2 to 4 Tablespoons of Acme BBQ Rub #103 or STK Blend, but apply in smaller amounts being sure to cover the whole chicken and some in the cavity. Once it is all seasoned, place it in a zip top bag or on the dish. Seal the bag or wrap the chicken and dish and then place in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours. The longer, the more flavor!
Step 3
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30mins before you want to roast or grill.
Step 4
(if using a soda can) Now is a good time to make the Chicken Brine. Follow this link to the recipe and adjust so you end up with about 1 ¼ cups of brine. Cool, then refrigerate until you need it to fill the can in Step 6(b).
Step 5
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, or get your grill heating up. Remove the chicken from the bag or wrap and reapply some seasoning to be sure the bird is well seasoned. Some of the seasoning drops or shakes off during handling. Remember to add some seasoning to the cavity of the bird also.
Step 6
(a) Are You Using a Can of Beer?
If you are using a can of beer, pour out about ⅓ of a cup of beer. Break a bay leaf into 2 or 3 pieces and drop into beer in the can.
OR
(b) Are You Using a Soda Can?
If you are using a soda can, pour out all of the contents and rinse. Fill the can about ⅔ full with the brine you made earlier. Break a bay leaf into 2 or 3 pieces and drop into the brine in the can.
Step 7
Place the prepared can upright into a baking dish. Carefully set the chicken onto the can of liquid you have prepared. The opening of the chicken cavity should slide over the upright can. The legs of the chicken should be leaning or laying on the baking dish. Like this image below, we know, this looks hilarious.
Step 8
Carefully place the baking dish into the center of a preheated oven, you may need to remove oven racks, or BBQ grill. Allow to cook until a thermometer (we love this one from ThermoWorks, but if you’re looking for an easy affordable one, we recommend this from amazon) reads 160 degrees in the thickest part of the breast.
Step 9
When the chicken is 165 degrees, remove it to a place for it to rest and allow the juices to seal into the meat. After resting, it is time to cut up the bird for serving. You can serve your chicken with mashed potatoes, savoyarde potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
We hope you love this moist, flavorful chicken!!
Did you make this recipe?
Share your results on Instagram and tag @AcmeSaltCo – we can’t wait to see your delicous food!