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Basting a whole Smoked Beer Can Chicken with a brush, standing upright on a beer can.

Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Soft-haired woman smiling with light makeup and a beige top on a neutral background.Kathryn Funk
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 298 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken about 4-5 pounds
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 can beer 12 ounces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove any giblets from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
    Raw whole chicken on cutting board being prepped for cooking.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and thyme to create a dry rub.
    Mixing dry rub spices for Smoked Beer Can Chicken in a small bowl.
  • Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, then apply the dry rub generously, making sure to cover all sides and the cavity.
    A whole chicken generously coated in dry rub, ready for Smoked Beer Can Chicken.
  • Pour out half of the beer from the can, and place the can on a solid surface. Sit the chicken on top of the beer can, inserting the can into the cavity of the chicken.
    Seasoned chicken on a beer can for Smoked Beer Can Chicken.
  • Place the chicken in the smoker, standing up on the can, and smoke for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.
    Smoking a seasoned whole chicken for Smoked Beer Can Chicken on a beer can.
  • Carefully remove the chicken from the smoker, let it rest for 10 minutes, then gently remove the beer can before carving.
    Smoked Beer Can Chicken, standing upright on a beer can.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 24gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 865mgFiber: 0.3g
Keyword chicken, smoked beer can chicken
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