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    Home » Main Dishes

    Oven Beer Can Chicken

    Published: Mar 14, 2022 · Modified: Mar 22, 2022 by Ashley · As an Amazon affiliate, this post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    This Oven Beer Can Chicken is an easy way to roast a chicken with mouthwatering results! No grill is needed for this recipe that results in the perfect combination of juicy chicken & crispy skin.
     
    White platter of carved Oven Beer Can Chicken next to glass of beer
    Chicken is one of my favorite proteins to make and enjoy. I was the kid who would eat chicken strips for every meal and be perfectly happy. Now that I'm an adult, I appreciate chicken for it's versatility and variety of preparation options. On the flip side, I've also learned how difficult cooking chicken can be. We've been taught to cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees, but overcook it and you'll have a dry, tough, anything but an enjoyable meal on your hands.
     
    This Oven Beer Can Chicken will give you moist, juicy and flavorful chicken every time! This method is based off the popular beer can chicken that is grilled. What I love about this recipe is that I can make it year-round (I live in MN where grilling season lasts 4-5 months). 

    The Best Beer To Use

    Sorry to burst your bubble, but Beer Can Chicken does not taste like beer. The purpose of the beer is to essentially steam the inside of the chicken keeping the meat juicy and moist.

    The flavor of the beer isn't a major factor in choosing the right beer for this recipe. A domestic, light beer such as a lager is my go-to choice and what happens to be in our garage fridge most of the time. Save the fancy, flavored beers for enjoyment on their own, and choose a more basic beer for this recipe with great results. 

    How To Make An Easy Roasted Chicken

    The combination of spices is basic, but ensures the chicken turns out flavorful. To begin, mix together Kosher salt, paprika, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and thyme. Take about a tablespoon of the spice mixture and mix it with some softened butter. 

    To prep the chicken, remove it from the packaging and remove any innards. Pat the chicken with a paper towel to get it nice and dry. Next, gently lift the skin up and rub with seasoned butter. Seasoning under the skin allows the butter and spices to directly cook into the meat.

    Next, drizzle the chicken skin with some olive oil and season the entire chicken with the remaining spice mixture (the cavity too). Using olive oil on the skin helps the spice mixture stick well and also helps the skin crisp up.

    Raw chicken on wooden cutting board along side beer can, olive oil, butter and spices

    Here's where the beer comes in. You'll need to remove about ⅓ of the beer from the can. The most obvious way to do this is to get yourself a glass and start happy hour. Place the beer can with the remaining beer in the center or a roasting pan or cast iron skillet. 

    Carefully place the chicken cavity on top of the beer can. It will look as though the chicken is sitting on its legs in the pan. I always chuckle when I see the chicken sitting so proper and upright ready to be cooked. 

    Roast the chicken in a 400 degree oven for 70-80 minutes or until the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) reaches 180 degrees. Allow the chicken to rest 10 minutes before carving. 

    Roasted Oven Beer Can Chicken in a cast iron skillet

    Side Dish Ideas

    Potato side dishes like Parmesan Potato Stacks and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes cook at the same oven temperature as the Beer Can Chicken, making them great side dish ideas! You can also serve the chicken with a simple garden salad, coleslaw or pasta salad. 

    Cut up chicken on a white serving tray with parsley and a glass of beer in background

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What if I don't drink beer or alcohol?

    If you prefer to not use an alcoholic beverage, you can still make this recipe with great results. A can of lemon-lime soda in place of beer will still give you the juicy, tender chicken.

    Why roast chicken to 180 degrees?

    Food safety requires poultry be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees to kill any bacteria. After reaching that temp for safety, anything higher is for texture. Having the thickest part of the thigh reach 180 degrees ensures the dark meat is tender and the connective tissue has a chance to break down further.

    Do I Need A "Beer Can Stand"?

    I've never found the need for an beer can stand that's sold specifically for techniques like this one. I've found I can get a 4-5 pound chicken to balance pretty easily on the beer can. If possible try to get the 12 oz. "slim" cans, as they are taller and help the chicken sit up.

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    White platter of carved Oven Beer Can Chicken next to glass of beer
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    Oven Beer Can Chicken

    This Oven Beer Can Chicken is such an easy way to roast a chicken with mouthwatering results! No grill is needed for this recipe that results in the perfect combination of juicy chicken & crispy skin.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time1 hr 10 mins
    Total Time1 hr 20 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: beer can chicken, easy roasted chicken, oven beer can chicken
    Servings: 6 servings
    Author: Ashley Leonard

    Ingredients

    • 4-5 # whole chicken giblets removed
    • 2 tbsp. butter softened
    • 2 tsp. paprika
    • 2 tsp. kosher salt
    • 1 tsp. black pepper
    • 1 tsp. onion powder
    • 1 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1 tsp. dried thyme
    • 1 tbsp. olive oil
    • 12 oz. beer a light lager

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
    • In a small bowl, mix together all spices. Add a tablespoon of spice mixture to softened butter. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Rub chicken with seasoned butter under the skin.
    • Season entire chicken with the rest of the spice mixture, including the cavity.
    • Pour out (or drink) about a ⅓ of the beer. Stand can with remaining beer up in center of the skillet. Carefully place whole chicken on top of the beer can so it looks like it's sitting on it's legs.
    • Place chicken in the oven and roast 70-80 minutes until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees. *
    • Remove pan from oven and allow chicken to rest 10 minutes before carving.

    Helpful Equipment & Ingredient Links

    Cast Iron Skillet
    Cutting Boards

    Notes

    * Food safety requires poultry be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees to kill any bacteria. Having the thickest part of the thigh reach 180 degrees ensures the meat is tender and the connective tissue has a chance to break down.

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    Welcome to The Darling Apron! I'm a wife, mom, & chai tea latte lover who uses food as her love language. I believe some of life's best moments happen when gathered around the kitchen table. Whether making time-honored family recipes or developing new favorites, I love creating memories through delicious food. I hope this space inspires you to do the same!

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