Print

Crispy Beer Can Chicken Recipe Easy Grilled Memorial Day Dinner

crispy beer can chicken - featured image
Print Recipe

This crispy beer can chicken recipe delivers golden, juicy meat with irresistibly crisp skin, perfect for outdoor gatherings and Memorial Day celebrations. The beer steams the chicken from the inside while the grill crisps the skin outside, creating a delicious flavor and texture combination.

Ingredients

  • Whole Chicken (about 4 to 5 pounds / 1.8 to 2.3 kg)
  • Beer (one 12 oz / 355 ml can) – lighter lager or pilsner recommended
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Salt (1 tablespoon) – kosher salt preferred
  • Black Pepper (1 teaspoon) – freshly ground
  • Paprika (1 tablespoon)
  • Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion Powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Dried Thyme or Oregano (1 teaspoon) – optional
  • Lemon (1, halved) – optional for stuffing inside the chicken cavity

Instructions

  1. Preheat your charcoal or gas grill for indirect heat at medium temperature (about 350°F / 175°C). Set coals on one side or burner on low and close the lid to stabilize.
  2. Remove giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub olive oil all over the chicken, including under the skin if desired.
  4. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme in a small bowl and rub the seasoning evenly on all sides of the chicken.
  5. Open the beer can and pour out or drink about half the beer. Optionally add garlic cloves or herb sprigs inside the can.
  6. Carefully slide the chicken cavity over the beer can so it stands upright. Use a roaster if available for stability.
  7. Place the chicken upright on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, avoiding frequent lid opening.
  8. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If browning too fast, move chicken away from direct heat or tent with foil.
  9. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes tented loosely with foil before carving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is essential for crispy skin. Maintain steady grill temperature using a two-zone setup for even cooking. Use a spray bottle of water to manage flare-ups. For extra crispy skin, brush olive oil or melted butter halfway through cooking. If no roaster is available, stabilize the chicken on the beer can on a sturdy baking sheet before placing on the grill.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer can chicken, grilled chicken, Memorial Day recipe, crispy chicken, backyard barbecue, easy grilled chicken, summer dinner

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/crispy-beer-can-chicken-recipe-easy-grilled-memorial-day-dinner/