Description
This recipe starts with low heat to allow smoke to penetrate the meat and ends with high heat to sear the delicious crispy skin. This easy recipe is fun to make for your family. It is super easy and turns out chicken that is juicy, tender, and full of smoke flavor every time.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 lb whole chicken
- 1 can beer (or other soft drink)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp Kosher salt
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chopped onions
- 2 tbsp chopped garlic cloves
Instructions
- Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel and shave off any excess fat near the openings.
- Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees F.
- Mix the dry ingredients to make chicken rub and gently apply it over the whole chicken, including the cavity of the chicken.
- Cut the top of the beer can and empty half of the liquid before adding chopped garlic and onion to the beer can.
- Carefully put the cavity of the chicken over the can of beer, making sure it fully covers it. Place on the smoker, holding the chicken upright.
- Smoke for 2 to 3 hours until the internal temperature in the thickest part registers 165 degrees F. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm this.
- Remove from the heat and tent with aluminum foil. Let the bird rest for 10 to 15 minutes while resting on top of the beer can for the juices to reabsorb and redistribute before carving. This will lead to the most tender and moist smoked beer can chicken you’ve ever had!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280