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    Home » Recipes » Grill Recipes » Smoker Recipes » Pellet Smoker Beer Can Chicken

    Pellet Smoker Beer Can Chicken

    Published: Aug 29, 2022 · Modified: Sep 20, 2022 by Jenna Passaro · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Traeger Smoked Beer Can Chicken With BBQ Sauce Recipe Images with text overlay and Jenna Passaro Smoked Foods Blogger of Sip Bite Go

    Beer can chicken on the smoker is by far one of the best ways to cook a whole bird. This Sip Bite Go recipe will leave you with a juicy BBQ chicken with crispy skin and a smoky flavor that’s simply to die for. Grab your six pack, a bird and let’s get smoking!

    Traeger Smoked Beer Can Chicken With BBQ Sauce

    New to smoked food recipes and Treager recipes? See my step by step video for beginners (scroll to bottom of page). 

    Table of Contents

    • Why Smoked Beer Can Chicken is so good to make…
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Smoked Beer Can Chicken
    • Tasty whole chicken recipes from Sip Bite Go
    • FAQs 
    • More Tasty Grill + Smoker Recipes
    • Meat thermometer recommendations
    • Are you a foodie, too?
    • Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe | Sip Bite Go

    Why Smoked Beer Can Chicken is so good to make…

    • It smokes pretty fast! 
    • Has tons of deep smoke flavor.
    • 5 minute prep.
    • You don’t need many ingredients… Just a 3 – 5 pound chicken, seasonings, and one can of beer and you’re good to go. 
    • You can get creative. You can lather your chicken in BBQ sauce or baste it with butter to keep it moist. OR you can make a nice BBQ brown sugar dry rub if you want to keep things easy.
    • It’s easy for a family meal or smoked dinner using the Traeger. This is pretty much like a one pot meal, but instead, you toss it on the smoker and let it ride until it’s done. Very minimal upkeep work to be done while it’s smoking. 
    Smoked Beer Can Chicken On Traeger Pellet Grills

    HEY THERE — Follow SBG for new recipes on Instagram / TikTok

    Ingredients

    Here’s what you need to make Smoked Beer Can Chicken.

    Infographic with recipe ingredient list for smoking beer can chicken on Traeger Pellet Grills
    • whole chicken (3lb, 4lb, or 5lb)
    • olive oil
    • BBQ rub (or any poultry / chicken seasoning)
    • beer, preferably a lager, still in the can
    • BBQ sauce
    Seasoned whole chicken on a can of beer

    How to make Smoked Beer Can Chicken

    Now I’ll walk you through it…

    Infographic demonstrating recipe steps with captions describing how to smoke beer can chicken on Traeger Pellet Grills

    Quick look at Smoked Beer Can Chicken recipe

    1. Preheat the smoker to 325 degrees F and prepare the whole chicken with BBQ rub. 
    2. Stick partially full can of beer under chicken. 
    3. Smoke at 325 degrees F for 1 hour
    4. Brush the beer can chicken with BBQ sauce and continue smoking for another 30 minutes until done. (165 degrees F internal temperature)
    5. Remove the chicken from the smoker. Rest, carve, and enjoy.
    Closeup Basting Traeger Smoked Beer Can Chicken With BBQ Sauce While Smoking It

    Detailed recipe steps

    1. Preheat Traeger Grills or Pitt Boss or whatever pellet grill you’re using to 325 degrees F. 
    2. Prep whole chicken for smoking. Remove chicken from the bag, remove any extra bones or parts that might be inside, and pat dry the whole chicken with a paper towel.
    3. Season the whole chicken by rubbing olive oil all over. Then season all over with BBQ rub, massaging it generously into the bird, get all the little areas like behind all limbs, like it’s on a spa vacation in Maui, receiving a pampering massage by the beach in a cabana. You read that right. Actually, go ahead and toss a little inside the bird cavity to season everything!
    4. Place the whole chicken on top of the can of beer, with half the amount of beer in it, and make sure the chicken breast side is pointing up. 
    5. Smoke beer can chicken for 1 hour at 325 degrees F.
    6. Brush partially smoked whole chicken with BBQ sauce, all over. (Insert a thermometer probe into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, if you haven’t at this time.)
    7. Continue smoking beer can chicken until done to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. (Sometimes we take it off once it’s hit at least 160 degrees F, with the mindset that it will come up to 165 degrees F, but you always want to check that it’s reached the safe chicken temperature to eat it.)
    8. Remove beer can chicken from Traeger.
    9. Rest for 20 minutes, carve and serve.
    Carving Traeger Smoker Beer Can Chicken With BBQ Sauce On A Cutting Board

    Tasty whole chicken recipes from Sip Bite Go

    • Pellet smoker beer can chicken
    • Smoked whole chicken
    • Smoked spatchcock chicken
    • Air fry whole chicken
    • Sous vide whole chicken
    • Crock pot whole chicken
    • Vacuum seal whole chicken
    • How to spatchcock chicken

    FAQs 

    How long to smoke beer can chicken?

    Cooking time depends on both the size of your chicken and the temperature that you are smoking it at. In this Sip Bite Go recipe, I smoked the 3 lb chicken at 375 degrees F for 1.5 – 2 hours until the internal temperature reached 160 – 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the chicken’s thigh using an instant read thermometer.

    Be sure to cover the cooked chicken with aluminum foil during the resting period. This will keep the chicken warm while it comes up to temperature.

    Can you smoke beer can chicken?

    Yes, you most certainly can cook beer can chicken in the smoker. The good thing is that it is easy and simple. Just place the chicken on top of a can of beer and throw it on the smoker until it’s done. BBQ Smoked Beer Can Chicken Resting On Traeger Pellet Grill Grates

    Why use beer to cook chicken?

    The purpose of using beer or any liquid for that matter is to help keep the bird’s interior moist during the cooking process. Alternatively you could use stock or probably water if you wanted. 

    What do you serve smoked chicken with?

    The good news here is that smoked beer can chicken goes with just about anything. You could pair it with smoked mac n’ cheese, smoked baked potatoes or smoked mashed potatoes. A great option for an appetizer is smoked queso dip.

    What type of beer is good for a beer can chicken?

    I recommend using a lager or pale ale beer for this beer can chicken recipe because they are a pretty plain tasting beer. You do not really need to go wild and use an overly flavorful beer for this smoke. 

    What kind of wood pellets / wood chips should you use for smoked beer can chicken?


    I suggest something with a rich smoky flavor like mesquite pellets or hickory pellets for beer can chicken. Hickory really compliments that chicken nicely and the chicken really picks up the smoky flavor of hickory. But hey, it’s also great with lighter fruity alternatives like the signature Traeger Blend of Pellets, pecan or Traeger applewood pellets. 

    Can you make beer can chicken on a gas grill? 

    Yes, you can make beer can chicken on a gas grill. If you don’t have a smoker, then you’ll want to fire up your gas grill. My recommendation here is to keep the temps of your gas grill on the lower side around 325 – 350 degrees F so you don’t burn the skin of the chicken before the meat is cooked.

    If you have a wood chip box, you would add that into your gas grill to create a smoker for your cook. I’ll share a grill recipe in the future for it.

    Where do you put the beer can in the chicken?

    You place the beer can directly in the cavity of the chicken. The beer can will help keep it upright during the smoke. 

    How do you remove the beer can from cooked chicken?

    Definitely use a pair of tongs or oven proof gloves to remove the beer can. 

    Pellet Grill Smoked Beer Can Chicken After Smoking And Resting On A Cutting Board

    More Tasty Grill + Smoker Recipes

    • Smoked mac and cheese
    • Smoked cream cheese
    • Smoked brisket flat
    • 321 ribs
    • Beer can chicken on the smoker
    • Smoked wings
    • Smoked tomahawk steak
    • Traeger tri tip
    • Smoked turkey breast
    • Smoked turkey legs
    • Whole smoked turkey
    • Smoked Traeger pizza
    • Smoked onion rings
    • Traeger smoked ham
    • Smoked whole chicken
    • Smoked jalapeno poppers
    • Smoked corn on the cob
    • Traeger beef ribs
    • Smoked leg of lamb
    • Smoked shrimp
    • Grilled chicken wings
    • Grilled skirt steak
    • Flank steak marinade
    • Grilled potato wedges
    • Smoked pulled pork
    • Want more? See my lineup of easy smoker recipes

    See my favorite smoker tools and seasonings in my Amazon Storefront.

    Meat thermometer recommendations

    Every home chef needs a reliable meat thermometer to cook food perfectly. 

    On Sip Bite Go, you’ll often see me using:

    1. Meater thermometer – a fancy wireless thermometer that connects to a phone app – gifted to me from a Traeger partnership.
    2. ThermoPro digital thermometer – which has a wire that connects the thermometer to a display box outside the oven/grill. 

    It’s like being psychic! The great thing about either of the thermometers above is that I don’t have to take the food out of the oven to know the temperature. 

    How to use ‘em… What I do is stick the digital thermometer in steak, pork, chicken, whatever… Then put the food in the oven, on the smoker, or grill.

    While the meat cooks, it reads the temperature so I know exactly what temp meat is as it’s cooking. Without having to take it out and check. It’s really difficult to overcook food when you know exactly what temp it is inside!

    BBQ Smoker Beer Can Chicken Recipe smoking on Traeger pellet grill

    Are you a foodie, too?

    Hey home chefs, hope that answers all your questions about Smoking a beer can chicken. 

    Check out these game day smoker recipes…

    Connect…

    • Instagram / TikTok / YouTube
    • Browse the Sip Bite Go recipe collection
    Traeger Smoked Beer Can Chicken With BBQ Sauce

    Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe | Sip Bite Go

    Beer can chicken on the smoker is by far one of the best ways to cook a whole bird. This Sip Bite Go recipe will leave you with a juicy BBQ chicken with crispy skin and a smoky flavor that’s simply to die for. Grab your six pack, a bird and let’s get smoking! | sipbitego.com
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Main Course, Main Dish
    Cuisine: American, BBQ
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 464kcal
    Author: Jenna Passaro

    Equipment

    • Traeger Hickory Pellets
    • Traeger Mesquite Pellets
    • Traeger Pellet Grill Ironwood 650

    Ingredients

    • 1 whole chicken 3lb, 4lb, or 5lb
    • 2 tsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp BBQ rub or any poultry / chicken seasoning
    • ½ can of beer preferably a lager, still in the can
    • ¼ cup BBQ sauce

    Instructions

    • Preheat Traeger Grills or Pitt Boss or whatever pellet grill you’re using to 325 degrees F.
    • Prep whole chicken for smoking. Remove chicken from the bag, remove any extra bones or parts that might be inside, and pat dry the whole chicken with a paper towel.
    • Season the whole chicken by rubbing olive oil all over. Then season all over with BBQ rub, massaging it generously into the bird, get all the little areas like behind all limbs, like it’s on a spa vacation in Maui, receiving a pampering massage by the beach in a cabana. No spot should go untouched with seasoning… you read that right. Actually, go ahead and toss a little inside the bird cavity to season everything!
    • Place the whole chicken on top of the can of beer, with half the amount of beer in it, and make sure the chicken breast side is pointing up.
    • Smoke beer can chicken for 1 hour at 325 degrees F.
    • Brush partially smoked whole chicken with BBQ sauce, all over. (Insert a thermometer probe into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, if you haven’t at this time.)
    • Continue smoking beer can chicken until done to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. (Sometimes we take it off once it’s hit at least 160 degrees F, with the mindset that it will come up to 165 degrees F, but you always want to check that it’s reached the safe chicken temperature to eat it.)
    • Remove beer can chicken from Traeger.
    • Rest for 20 minutes, carve and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    See the recipe: https://sipbitego.com/smoked-beer-can-chicken
     
    Watch the full-length YouTube recipe video for beer can smoked chicken on Sip Bite Go’s YouTube channel.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 464kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 318mg | Potassium: 415mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 359IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SipBiteGo or tag #sipbitego!
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    jenna passaro food blogger from Portland Oregon

    Hey, I’m Jenna Passaro.

    I develop easy recipes that can transform your kitchen into a restaurant – and you into a true home chef.

      

    Where to start?

    Learn the secrets to smoking tasty Traeger recipes and making pizza at home. And cook amazing tri tip steak dinners.

    Or, fall in love with something new to cook with your air fryer, pellet smoker, BBQ grill, sous vide cooker, and more…

    You’ll notice, I kind of geek out over new cooking trends and tools!

    Instagram me @sipbitego & chef hubs @handmodelpatrick

    My story. Growing up, I didn’t learn to cook.

    (I was actually banned from cooking for years)

    And then in my 20’s I didn’t have to cook because my job as an event planner involved a lot of travel and it was easier to eat out. At the time, I was 100% positive that restaurant food would always taste better than cooking at home, and there was nothing I could do about it.

    Until I fell in love with a chef. He would come over and cook me delicious meals right in my own kitchen. My mind was blown.

    Since then, I’ve been on a mission to figure out easy ways to make restaurant style food at home and share it here on Sip Bite Go.

    Love to eat out and travel? I can totally relate. See my guide on where to eat in Portland, OR.

    jenna passaro the home chef's sous vide cookbook

    Never in a million years did I imagine I’d ditch the 9-5 lifestyle in my late 20’s, move across the country on a whim, start a new life, start a food blog, and write a book.

    But here I am!

    See my book on Amazon: The Home Chef’s Sous Vide Cookbook.

     

       

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