BBQ Beer Butt Chicken

I found this BBQ Beer Butt Chicken recipe (also known as Beer Can Chicken) back in 2003 when it went through a surge of popularity and I haven't seen it around for a while until I decided to make it again. There seems to be a resurrection. It's also a really healthy beer can chicken, as all the fat drips off the chicken into the pan. If you are looking for easy and healthy and delicious chicken dinner recipes for Father's Day, this is the one!

For reasons I cannot explain, sticking a ½ can of beer up the butt of a chicken makes it super tender, juicy (with a crispy skin) and totally awesome! This beer butt chicken recipe is popular in the summer during grilling season.

🥘 Ingredient Notes

• Beer.  I use light beer, generally Coors light
• Whole chicken (roaster)
• Chili sauce. I use Heinz - it's a very mild sauce.
• Molasses. Molasses adds a rich sweetness and classic bbq flavor, adding depth to the sauce, while balancing the tangy spicy flavors.
• Louisiana hot sauce. It's a bold pepper sauce that boasts heat from horseradish and hot peppers but doesn't sacrifice the hearty flavor of this sauce.
• Lemon juice. I use lemon juice from concentrate because it's more convenient.
• Liquid smoke. You only need a small amount of this but it makes a big difference in the flavor!

*see recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities

📖Variations and Substitutions

• Chili sauce- you can use ketchup mixed with cayenne powder and here are some more of the best chili sauce substitutes
• Lemon juice - you can use fresh lemon juice instead, but you'll need to double the amount
• Dry rub - you can use your favorite rub with this recipe, if you prefer (rub it on before placing on the grill)

🔪How to BBQ whole beer can chicken:

Making BBQ beer can chicken is actually quite simple and uses indirect heat:

1. Heat grill to medium.
2. Open can of beer with can opener, pour half of the beer into a container and reserve.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
4. Then place whole chicken onto the top of the can and push can into the chicken cavity (butt of the chicken) as shown (or use a beer can chicken holder - see equipment).

5. Place chicken upright in a deep aluminum roaster pan and place onto gas grill. Close BBQ lid and cook for 45 minutes.
6. Combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in saucepan then baste generously on the outside of the chicken. 
7. Allow chicken to cook for the remaining 45 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, simmer the remaining BBQ sauce for 20 minutes, until reduced by half the volume.
9. Remove chicken from grill and slice. Serve chicken with remaining BBQ sauce, as desired. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken!

*Note: For this method of cooking chicken, you'll need to keep the grill going for up to 1.5 hrs so make sure you have extra propane or are filled up (if you are using propane gas).

**Note: Total cooking time will vary, depending on the size of your chicken. You'll need to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

***Note: Your grill will need to be high/tall enough that it can close over a whole upright chicken and test it before you light it

🥗 What to serve with beer can chicken

Here are the VERY BEST Sides to serve with beer can chicken

• 5 Minute Easy Bean Salad                                               
• Healthy Classic Potato Salad (shown)
• Healthy Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Be sure the check out these 21 Side dishes to serve with beer can chicken for the rest of the best!

Top Tip

The best way to check for doneness is by internal temperature, with an instant-read thermometer (affiliate link) inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. I have one of these thermometers and I love it! I use it on everything from pie to meat to bread! Beer butt chicken on the grill should be cooked to 165 degrees f (74 degrees Celcius)

• But it's more than just a meat thermometer! I use my Thermapen for everything from baking pie and bread to eggs, casseroles, candy making and more!
• This amazing little tool instantly and accurately measures temperature with a quick poke. And it's not just for the grill, it's the go-to kitchen instrument trusted by the world's most acclaimed chefs and BBQ champions (it's one of Alton Brown's 'favorite things')!
• And it comes with a handy little chart that gives you chef-recommended temperatures, as well as the minimum done temps for food safety. 

🍽 Equipment

You're also going to need some kind of holder for the chicken on the beer can. I use a large aluminum roasting pan as a drip pan and balance the chicken on top of the beer can (as shown in photo above). It's make-shift and can get a bit wobbly, but I make it work. However, you can buy beer can chicken stands. I prefer the beer can roasting chicken holders that come with the roaster. and I'd buy this one if I was going to purchase one. BBQ mitts (affiliate links) are also handy to have on hand!

👪 Serving Size

This recipe makes 6 servings. However, you can double or triple the recipe. if you have a big crowd, by clicking on the serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust. I often make 2 chickens at once (we like leftovers), as you can see in the photos.

🔢WW Points

This chicken with BBq sauce is 6 ww points, if you eat breast and calculate accordingly if you eat another part of the chicken (especially the chicken skin).

🌡️Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Store the extra BBQ sauce and chicken in separate containers.