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–+ servings
a photo of a smoked beer can chicken on a tray

The Best Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Additional Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Author: Michelle Goth
This smoked beer can chicken is the grandaddy of all smoked chicken recipes! Rubbed with a zesty homemade spicy blend, this chicken comes out moist and so flavorful, every time.
4.95 from 40 ratings
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Ingredients
 

  • 4 pounds whole chicken, giblets removed
  • 6 ounces light beer, keep in can
  • 6 ounces apple juice
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce, use your favorite
  • a handful of hickory wood chunks

For the Spice Rub

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your smoker to 325° Fahrenheit.
  • In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the spice rub. Mix well.
  • Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken dry with paper towels.
  • Apply the chicken rub. Rub the spice rub evenly over the chicken skin and in the chicken cavity.
  • Open the top of the beer with a can opener and pour out half of the beer. Add apple juice into the can of beer.
  • Place the cavity of the chicken on top of the can to stand the chicken upright.
  • Add 3-4 wood chunks of your choice to the hot coals for smoking, then place chicken in the smoker. Smoke for 1 hour.
  • Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce, then continue to smoke until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit with an instant read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, about 30 additional minutes.
  • Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before slicing into it.

Notes

If you don't want to use beer, I understand! This method still works with any cleaned out 12 ounce can. Fill it with apple juice or chicken stock (or both)!
Serving: 1, Calories: 636kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 42g, Fat: 34g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 163mg, Sodium: 1331mg, Potassium: 688mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 29g, Vitamin A: 1340IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 62mg, Iron: 3mg
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