Welcome to this article that aims to help you cook the perfect beer can chicken on your pellet grill! One of the essential aspects of cooking this dish is knowing exactly how long you should cook it to get the best results. So, we will explore the recommended cooking times and temperatures for beer can chicken on a pellet grill, which will help you achieve that juicy and flavorful meal that everyone loves.
The Basics of Beer Can Chicken
Beer can chicken is a delicious way to cook your bird on the grill. It’s a simple technique that involves placing a chicken on a beer can and cooking it until it’s juicy and tender. The beer can helps to keep the chicken moist, and the heat from the grill cooks the chicken from the inside and out. Cooking beer can chicken on a pellet grill is easy, but it requires some attention to detail to ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection.
Preparing the Chicken
Before you start cooking, you need to prepare the chicken. Start by removing the giblets and neck from the cavity and then rinse the chicken with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and then season it with your favorite rub. You can also add some herbs and spices to the beer can for extra flavor.
Setting Up the Grill
To cook beer can chicken on a pellet grill, you need to set up the grill for indirect heat. This means that you need to heat one side of the grill and then place the chicken on the other side. The temperature should be around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for beer can chicken on a pellet grill depends on the size of the bird. As a general rule, you should cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes per pound. So, if you have a 4-pound chicken, you should cook it for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the meat.
Tips for Cooking Beer Can Chicken on Pellet Grill
Cooking beer can chicken on a pellet grill is not difficult, but there are a few tips that can help you to get the best results.
Use a Good Quality Beer
The beer that you use for beer can chicken should be of good quality. A light beer or a pilsner works well, but you can also experiment with other types of beer. The beer helps to keep the chicken moist and adds flavor to the meat.
Keep the Grill Lid Closed
To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, you should keep the grill lid closed as much as possible. Opening the lid can cause the temperature to drop, which can affect the cooking time.
Let the Chicken Rest
Once the chicken is cooked, you should let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving it. This helps to retain the juices and makes the meat more tender.
Add Some Smoke
If you want to add some smoky flavor to your beer can chicken, you can use wood pellets on your pellet grill. Hickory, oak, and mesquite are popular choices for smoking chicken.
Removing the Chicken from the Grill
Once the chicken is cooked, you need to remove it from the grill. This can be a bit tricky, as the beer can will be hot. You can use tongs to carefully lift the chicken off the can and onto a platter or cutting board. Be sure to let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving it.
Experiment with Different Rubs
You can use a variety of rubs to season your beer can chicken. Some popular options include Cajun, Italian, and barbecue rubs. You can also make your own rub by combining herbs and spices that you enjoy.
FAQs – How Long to Cook Beer Can Chicken on Pellet Grill
What is beer can chicken?
Beer can chicken is a popular method of cooking a whole chicken. The chicken is placed over a beer can, which is then placed on the grill. The beer can helps to keep the chicken moist while it cooks, and also adds flavor to the chicken.
How long should I cook beer can chicken on a pellet grill?
The cooking time for beer can chicken on a pellet grill can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the chicken, the temperature of the grill, and the altitude at which you are cooking. Generally, it takes about 1-1.5 hours to cook a 4-pound chicken on a pellet grill, but it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
What temperature should the pellet grill be set to?
The temperature of the pellet grill should be set to around 350°F for cooking beer can chicken. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly without burning or drying out.
Do I need to flip the chicken while it cooks?
No, you do not need to flip the chicken while it cooks. The chicken should cook evenly on all sides as long as it is positioned properly over the beer can.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the meat, such as the thighs or breasts. It’s important to check the temperature in multiple places to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Once the chicken has reached this temperature, it is safe to eat.