Beer Can Chicken (Oven Roasted or Grilled)

Beer Can Chicken is one of the most delicious and simple recipes out there – and you can make it two ways!

Oven roasted or grilled, Beer Can Chicken is the perfect way to enjoy a juicy and flavorful meal.

Using just a few ingredients and your oven or grill, you can have a savory and flavorful Beer Can Chicken dinner that will make your taste buds sing!

Besides being delicious, Beer Can Chicken is always a great conversation starter. It’s a whole chicken, perched upright on a can of beer after all.

What I love about this chicken is it’s tender and juicy, while the skin is golden and crispy.

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Cooking Tips for Oven Roasting:

• Choose the right chicken size. You want it to stand upright with the beer can inserted into the cavity. A 4-5 pound chicken is typically the perfect size for this cooking method.
• Season generously – to infuse flavor into the meat, season both the exterior and interior of the chicken liberally. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and rub the seasoning mixture into every nook and cranny of the chicken.
• Properly position the chicken – place the beer can with half of the beer inside the chicken’s cavity, ensuring that the can is centered and secure. Then, position the chicken upright on a roasting pan with the legs down and the beer can acting like a stable base. This helps the chicken to cook evenly and allows the skin to become crispy all around.
• Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The chicken should be at least 165 degrees F. in the thickest part of the thigh. This step is crucial for food safety and guaranteeing the chicken is cooked through.
• Let it rest: After removing the chicken from the grill, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and flavorful bird.

Cooking Tips for Grilling:

• Preheat the grill: Before placing the chicken on the grill, make sure it is preheated to medium heat. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates.
• Use indirect heat – Beer Can Chicken requires indirect heat for proper cooking. To achieve this, light the burners on only on side of the grill, leaving the other side off. Place the chicken on the unlit side of the grill and close the lid.
• Rotate the chicken every 30 minutes or so. This will ensure even browning and cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh or breast to make sure it is 165 degrees F.
• Let it rest: After removing the chicken from the grill, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and flavorful bird.

How to make Beer Can Chicken:

Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin crisp up beautifully.

Next, it’s time to season the chicken. I used McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning.

You can also create a flavorful dry rub using a combination of your favorite spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your personal touch.

Once the dry rub is ready, generously coat the chicken on all sides, ensuring every inch is covered. The dry rub will not only enhance the flavor but also help create a lovely, crispy skin.

If you’re cooking the chicken on the grill, you can use a beer can chicken holder for the grill. If you don’t have a beer can chicken holder you can use a disposable pan that’s heat safe for the grill.

Open the beer can and empty about half of the beer. You want enough room in the can so it can create steam from the beer.

To roast the chicken in the oven you want to use a roasting dish to catch the drippings.

Place the beer can in the center of the roasting pan. Put the chicken on top of the beer can and push down.

If you are roasting the chicken in the oven you want to cook the chicken for 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F. When the cooking time is up check that the chicken has reached 165 degrees F.

Grill the chicken over indirect heat until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to make sure it is 165 degrees F.

When the cooking time is up, remove the chicken and discard the beer can. Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Sides to Serve with Beer Can Chicken:

• Potato Salad
• Chimichurri Roasted Potatoes
• Asparagus & Prosciutto Crescent Rolls
• Pea Salad
• Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Here are some more WW friendly recipes:

Potato Salad

Chimichurri Roasted Potatoes

Pea Salad

If you’re looking for some zero point recipes, check out my post 20 Zero Point Recipes or my post 20 (More) Zero Point Recipes. Both are filled with delicious recipes that won’t cost you a single point! They’re perfect for days when you’re running low on points, or trying to save up points for a night out.

If you’re looking for dessert recipes you can visit 50 Weight Watchers Freestyle Desserts. It’s filled with delicious desserts perfect for Weight Watchers!

Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 100 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!