Chicken is a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method is beer can chicken, where a whole chicken is placed over an open can of beer and cooked on the grill or in an electric smoker.
The steam from the beer keeps the chicken moist, while the alcohol adds flavor to the meat. The best part is that it’s actually quite easy to make. In this post, we’ll show you how to make juicy smoked beer can chicken in electric smoker.
You can also check our articles on How to Make Babyback Ribs in Electric Smoker, Easy to Make Smoked Ham Recipe, How to Smoke Cheese in a Electric Smoker, How to Choose Electric Heating Element for Smoker, Soaking Wood Chips for Electric Smokers – Required or Not, and How to Make Masterbuilt Smoker Pork Butt.
What is Smoked Beer Can Chicken?
Smoked beer can chicken is a dish made by cooking a whole chicken on top of one or two beer cans. The chicken can be placed directly on the grates of the smoker, or it can be placed in a roasting pan.
It’s important to use beer cans that are room temperature or cooler; if they’re too hot, they could explode and make a mess in your smoker.
What Equipment do you Need to Make Smoked Beer Can Chicken?
In addition to an electric smoker and beer cans, you’ll also need some wood chips. We recommend using hickory or apple wood chips for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other types of wood chips until you find one that you like. You’ll also need a thermometer so that you can smoke the chicken at the proper temperature.
How to Cook Smoked Beer Can Chicken?
Steps to Make It
Step One
Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This is critical! If your smoker is not preheated to the correct temperature, your chicken will not cook properly. Be patient and wait for your smoker to reach the correct temperature before putting your chicken in.
Step Two
Season your chicken with your favorite spices. We like to use a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. But feel free to experiment and find the spice blend that you like best. Just remember that a little goes a long way with these strong flavors, so start with less than you think you need and add more if needed.
Step Three
Open a can of beer and take a few sips (we won’t tell!). Then, carefully lower your chicken onto the open can so that it is upright. The beer can should be placed in the cavity of the chicken so that the majority of the can is inside the bird.
Step Four
Carefully place your chicken in the smoker and close the door. Maintain a consistent smoker temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of cooking. This will take approximately 3-4 hours.
Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken periodically with a thermometer to ensure that it is cooking correctly. The internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when the chicken is finished cooking.
Step Five
Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy!
What Kind of Beer Should I Use?
You can use any kind of beer that you like for this recipe. Light beers or lagers work best, as they don’t add too much flavor to the chicken.
However, feel free to experiment with different beers to see which one you like best! Just remember not to use a beer that is too warm, as it could cause an explosion in the smoker.
What Kind of Seasoning Rub?
Any rub that you like can be used for this recipe. We recommend using a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. But there are several other rubs that you can experiment with. Below are some of our favorites:
• Garlic and Herb Rub – a combination of garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt
• Spicy Cajun Rub – a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper
• Honey Mustard Rub – a combination of honey, mustard powder, and garlic powder
• Lemon Pepper Rub – a combination of black pepper, dried oregano, lemon zest, and sea salt.
• BBQ Rub – a combination of paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, cumin, and chili powder.
What Kind of Marinade?
If you choose to marinate your chicken before cooking, there are several great options. Some of our favorites include:
• Italian Marinade – a combination of olive oil, garlic, oregano, and basil
• Asian Marinade – a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame oil
• Southwestern Marinade – a combination of chili powder, garlic, cumin, and lime juice
• Lemon Herb Marinade – a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and thyme.
• Honey Mustard Marinade – a combination of honey, mustard, and garlic powder.
Once you have chosen your marinade, simply mix the ingredients together in a bowl and let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes before putting it in the smoker.
Best Type of Wood Chips to Use
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best type of wood chips for smoking beer can chicken.
Hickory Wood Chips
If you’re looking for a strong, smoky flavor, then hickory wood chips are the way to go. These chips will give your chicken a deep, rich flavor that is perfect for those who love smoked meats.
Maple Wood Chips
Maple wood chips are perfect for those who want a more subtle flavor. These chips will impart a sweet, delicate flavor to your chicken that is perfect for those who don’t like their food too smoky.
Cherry Wood Chips
Cherry wood chips are perfect if you’re looking for a fruitier flavor. These chips will give your chicken a lightly sweet and fruity flavor that is perfect for summertime smoking.
Apple Wood Chips
If you’re looking for a sweeter flavor, then apple wood chips are the way to go. These chips will give your chicken a sweet, slightly tart flavor that pairs perfectly with lighter beers.
Oak Wood Chips
Oak wood chips will give your chicken a strong, smoky flavor that is perfect for those who love the classic taste of smoked meat. These chips are best for those who want a bold, smoky flavor.
Whichever type of wood chips you choose, just remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. Soaking the chips will help to prevent them from catching fire and will also help to release more of the flavor.
How to Remove the Beer Can from the Chicken?
The first thing you’re going to want to do is to make sure that the chicken is cooked through. This means checking the internal temperature with a thermometer. It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when the chicken is finished cooking.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the roasting pan and set it on a cutting board or plate. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes so that the juices can redistribute. This will make carving easier and result in juicier, more flavorful meat.
Now it’s time to remove the beer can. To do this, hold onto the base of the chicken with one hand and use your other hand to grab onto the top of the can. Gently twist and pull until the can is removed from the chicken cavity. Be careful not to spill any beer!
If you’re having trouble getting a grip on the can, you can also use a pair of tongs to pull it out. Once the can is removed, discard it and carve your chicken!
What can you Serve with Beer Can Chicken?
Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything. For this recipe, cut your potatoes into chunks, drizzle with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and roast in the oven at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Steamed Vegetables
Another easy and healthy option is steamed vegetables. You can use any veggies you like, but we recommend broccoli, carrots, and green beans. Put your veggies in a steamer basket over boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes or until tender.
Macaroni and Cheese
Let’s be honest— everything goes better with mac and cheese! For a delicious and cheesy side dish, cook up your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe. Or, if you’re feeling lazy, you can always buy a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese (we won’t tell!)
Fruit Salad
A fruit salad is a perfect light and refreshing side to balance out a hearty meal like a beer can chicken. Simply mix together your favorite fruits (we like grapes, bananas, apples, and strawberries) with some honey and lemon juice.
Corn on the Cob
What goes better with beer than corn on the cob? This summertime staple is the perfect side dish for your next beer can chicken dinner! Just boil some water, add your ears of corn, and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. Add some butter, salt, and pepper to taste—enjoy!
Tips for Smoking Beer Can Chicken
If you’re looking to up your beer can chicken game; we’ve got some tips that will have you smoking like a pro in no time.
Choose the Right Chicken
When it comes to smoking beer can chicken, you want to make sure you start with a good quality bird. We recommend going with organic, free-range chicken for the best flavor.
Conversely, if you’re on a budget or just looking for something a little leaner, skinless, boneless chicken breasts will work just fine.
Season your Chicken
One of the keys to any good recipe is proper seasoning, and beer can chicken is no exception. Before you even think about putting your chicken in the smoker, make sure you give it a good rubdown with your favorite seasonings.
Choose the Right Wood
The key to good smoked beer can chicken is using the right type of wood. Hickory and maple are both excellent options that will give you a nice smoky flavor.
Monitor the Temperature
When it comes to smoking beer can chicken, the temperature is everything. Make sure you keep an eye on your smoker and adjust the heat as needed to keep the temperature at a steady 250°F throughout the cooking process.
Beer Can Chicken in Electric Smoker FAQs
How long does it take to smoke a 5lb chicken at 225?
When it comes to cooking a 5lb chicken at 225, you can expect the process to take around 5 hours in total. This is from start to finish and includes smoking the bird for full flavor and then finishing it off with higher heat for tenderness and crispness.
How long does it take to smoke a chicken in an electric smoker?
The time to cook a beer can chicken in an electric smoker will vary depending on the size of the bird and the desired temperature. Generally speaking, you’ll want to cook your chicken at 225-250°F for about 30-40 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long to smoke beer can chicken at 300?
When it comes to smoking beer can chicken at 300°F, the process will be much quicker than if you were to smoke at a lower temperature. You’ll want to cook your bird for around 1½-2 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Do you have to cut the can for smoked beer can chicken?
Yes, you will need to cut the top of the beer can in order for it to properly steam and season your chicken. We recommend making two or three small slits in the top of the can before smoking so that some of the steam can escape during cooking.
Conclusion
Beer can chicken is a delicious and easy way to cook chicken on the grill or smoker. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have flavorful and juicy beer can chicken in no time!
Just make sure to follow these tips for smoking low & slow and letting your bird rest before serving, and you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with your beer can chicken masterpieces.
We hope that this post on how to make juicy smoked beer can chicken in electric smoker has inspired you to try your hand at this delicious dish. So what are you waiting for? Grab a can, crack open a cold one, and get to cooking! Cheers!