Smoking beer can chicken is a great way to add flavor to your chicken while keeping it moist and juicy. In this article, we are going to explore the steps and tips for smoking beer can chicken to perfection.
Smoking beer can chicken is a popular method for cooking chicken with a deliciously unique taste. This cooking technique involves placing a whole chicken on top of an open can of beer which is then smoked over indirect heat until it’s fully cooked. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to smoke beer can chicken to perfection.
Choosing the Right Beer
The first step in smoking beer can chicken is to choose the right beer. The beer you choose will have an impact on the flavor of your chicken. Here are some tips for choosing the right beer:
Tip 1: Choose a beer that complements the flavor of chicken
When choosing a beer for your chicken, it is important to choose one that complements the natural flavor of the chicken. Light beers like lagers or pilsners work well with chicken as they don’t overpower the natural flavor of the chicken.
Tip 2: Avoid using beers with overpowering flavors
Avoid using beers with overpowering flavors such as stouts or IPAs. These types of beers can be too strong for chicken and can overpower the natural flavor of the chicken, leaving you with a beer-flavored bird.
Tip 3: Use a can of beer that is half-full
When using a beer can to smoke your chicken, it is important to use a can that is half-full. This will create steam which will keep the chicken moist and juicy while it cooks.
Preparing the Chicken
Now that you have chosen the right beer, it’s time to prepare the chicken.
Step 1: Brine the chicken
Brining the chicken is an essential step in smoking beer can chicken. Brining helps to keep the chicken moist and juicy while it cooks. To brine the chicken, mix together 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of kosher salt, and 1 cup of sugar. Place the chicken in the brine and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Step 2: Season the chicken
Once the chicken has been brined, it’s time to season it. Rub the chicken with your favorite seasoning blend. Be sure to get the seasoning under the skin and inside the cavity.
Step 3: Open a can of beer and drink half
Open a can of beer and drink half of it. This will create the half-full can that we need to smoke the chicken.
Step 4: Insert the beer can into the chicken
Insert the half-full can of beer into the cavity of the chicken. Stand the chicken upright on the can of beer.
Smoking the Chicken
Now that the chicken is prepared, it’s time to smoke it.
One key takeaway from the comprehensive guide on smoking beer can chicken is the importance of choosing the right beer to complement the natural flavor of the chicken. Using a half-full can of beer will also create steam that helps keep the chicken moist and juicy as it cooks. Preparing the chicken through brining and seasoning it before smoking is necessary for flavorful and delicious results. Basting the chicken regularly and letting it rest before carving are also crucial steps for success. Lastly, using a digital meat thermometer, allowing enough space for smoke circulation, and using wood chips to add flavor are other essential tips for achieving perfectly smoked beer can chicken.
Step 1: Preheat the smoker
Preheat the smoker to 250°F. It is important to maintain a steady temperature throughout the smoking process.
Step 2: Place the chicken in the smoker
Place the chicken on the smoker rack and close the lid. Smoke the chicken for 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Step 3: Baste the chicken
Every hour, baste the chicken with a mixture of melted butter and your favorite barbecue sauce. This will help to keep the chicken moist and add flavor.
Step 4: Rest the chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips for smoking beer can chicken to perfection:
- Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.
- Don’t overcrowd the smoker. Leave enough space around the chicken for the smoke to circulate.
- Use wood chips to add flavor to the chicken. Hickory, apple, or cherry wood chips work well with chicken.
- Let the chicken rest before carving. This will ensure that the juices stay in the chicken and don’t run out when you cut into it.
FAQs for How to Smoke Beer Can Chicken
What is beer can chicken?
Beer can chicken is a flavorful way to cook chicken on the grill or in a smoker. The chicken is seasoned and then placed upright over an open can of beer or other liquid, such as apple juice or wine. As the chicken cooks, the liquid inside the can steams and flavors the meat, resulting in juicy and tender chicken with a crispy skin.
How do I prepare the chicken for smoking?
To prepare the chicken for smoking, rinse it well and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with a dry rub or marinade, being sure to coat it well inside and out. If you choose to use a beer can, empty half of the can and add your favorite beer, wine, or other liquid. Place the can in the center of a disposable aluminum pan to catch any drippings and to make it easier to remove the chicken from the smoker.
How do I set up my smoker for cooking the chicken?
Set up your smoker for indirect heat and preheat it to 250-275 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a drip pan under the grate to catch any drippings. When the smoker is ready, place the chicken over the beer can and insert the can into the cavity of the bird. Place the chicken and pan on the smoker grate and close the lid. Smoke the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which should take about 2-3 hours depending on the size of the bird.
How do I check the temperature of the chicken?
Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, being sure not to touch the bone. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are some tips for getting crispy skin?
To get crispy skin on your beer can chicken, be sure to let the bird dry out in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This will help to dry out the skin and promote crispiness. Another tip is to brush the bird with oil, butter, or another fat before cooking. This will help to promote browning and crispiness on the outside of the chicken. Finally, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin and give it a golden brown color.