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Crispy Beer Can Chicken Recipe Easy Spicy Rub for Perfect BBQ

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A flavorful and juicy beer can chicken with a smoky, spicy rub that crisps the skin perfectly on the grill. This easy BBQ recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing, tender chicken with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.3 kg), fresh or thawed, preferably organic or free-range
  • 1 standard 12 oz (355 ml) can of beer (lager or pale ale recommended)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Remove giblets and pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels inside and out. Dry skin crisps best. (About 5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix well. (5 minutes)
  3. Rub the chicken all over with 2 tbsp olive oil to help the rub stick and crisp the skin. Generously apply the spicy rub all over the chicken, including inside the cavity. (5 minutes)
  4. Open the beer can and pour out or drink about half the can so it is half full. Optionally, add a couple garlic cloves or fresh herbs inside the can for extra aroma. (2 minutes)
  5. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C). Arrange coals or burners for indirect cooking. Place a drip pan beneath where the chicken will sit to catch drippings. (10 minutes)
  6. Carefully place the chicken cavity over the beer can so it stands upright. If using a beer can chicken holder, set it in place on the grill. (2 minutes)
  7. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid opening the lid too often; monitor every 20 minutes.
  8. If the skin isn’t crispy enough, move the chicken to direct heat for the last 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. (5-10 minutes)
  9. Remove the chicken carefully using gloves and let it rest upright for at least 10 minutes before carving to lock in the juices. (10 minutes)
  10. Slice the chicken and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry for best crispiness. Use indirect heat to avoid burning. Let the chicken rest upright to lock in juices. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for heat level. Use a mild beer like lager or pale ale to avoid bitterness. If no grill, roast upright in oven at 375°F for about 1 hour 15 minutes. Use a drip pan to catch drippings and reduce flare-ups. Rotate chicken halfway through cooking if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer can chicken, BBQ chicken, crispy chicken, spicy rub, grilled chicken, backyard BBQ, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/crispy-beer-can-chicken-recipe-easy-spicy-rub-for-perfect-bbq/