How to Cook Beer Can Chicken on Big Green Egg

Are you ready to take your grilling game to the next level? In this article, we’ll show you how to cook beer can chicken on your Big Green Egg.

It’s a simple and delicious way to infuse your bird with flavor and keep it juicy. We’ll guide you through selecting the right chicken, preparing the beer can, seasoning the chicken, prepping your Big Green Egg, setting up the beer can chicken, cooking it to perfection, and finally, serving and enjoying your mouthwatering creation.

Let’s get started!

Selecting the Right Chicken

To select the right chicken, you’ll want to look for a bird that is around 3 to 4 pounds in size and has a nice plumpness to it. When it comes to beer can chicken, choosing the right chicken is crucial for a delicious and juicy outcome. Here are a few chicken selection tips to keep in mind.

Firstly, the size of the chicken matters. A bird that weighs around 3 to 4 pounds is ideal because it will cook evenly and retain its moisture throughout the grilling process. Larger chickens may take longer to cook and can result in dry meat, while smaller ones may not have enough meat to satisfy your hunger.

Secondly, you want to ensure that the chicken is plump. A plump chicken indicates that it is well-fed and will have more flavor. Look for a bird with firm and well-rounded breasts, as this is a good indicator of its overall plumpness.

Lastly, if you’re not a fan of using beer cans, there are alternative options available. Consider using a beer can stand or a vertical roaster, which will help the chicken stay upright while allowing the flavors to infuse. These alternatives also make it easier to remove the chicken from the grill once it’s cooked.

Preparing the Beer Can

When preparing the beer can for your beer can chicken recipe, it’s important to consider the size and stability of the can.

The size of the can will determine how much beer you can fit inside and how well it will hold up the chicken.

Additionally, you may also want to explore alternative beer options, such as using different flavors or types of beer to add a unique twist to your recipe.

Can Size and Stability

The most important factor for stability when cooking beer can chicken on a Big Green Egg is the size of the can. To ensure that your chicken stands upright, you need a can that fits snugly inside the cavity. The diameter of the chicken can should be around 2.5 to 3 inches, allowing it to sit securely without tipping over.

A stabilizing beer can is essential to prevent any accidents while cooking. Using a larger can may cause the chicken to wobble and potentially fall over, ruining your cooking experience. On the other hand, a can that is too small may not provide enough support, making it difficult to balance the chicken properly.

Therefore, selecting the right can size is crucial for maintaining stability throughout the cooking process.

Alternative Beer Options?

If you’re looking for other options, have you considered trying different types of beer for cooking beer can chicken on your grill? While traditional beer can chicken recipes call for using a standard beer, there are plenty of craft beer options and non-alcoholic alternatives that can add unique flavors to your dish. Experimenting with different beer styles can enhance the taste of your chicken and give it a new twist. Here are some craft beer options and non-alcoholic alternatives you can try:

Craft Beer Options	Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
Pale Ale	Ginger Ale
Stout	Root Beer
IPA	Sparkling Apple Cider
Wheat Beer	Lemonade
Lager	Club Soda

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your beer choices and enjoy the delicious results of your beer can chicken on the grill!

Seasoning the Chicken

To season the chicken, you’ll want to generously rub the spices all over the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Here are some different seasoning options to consider:

1. Classic BBQ Rub: Mix together brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for a delicious smoky flavor.

2. Lemon Herb Seasoning: Combine lemon zest, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for a refreshing and aromatic taste.

3. Spicy Cajun Blend: Create a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper for a bold and fiery kick.

Once you’ve chosen your seasoning, make sure to massage it into the chicken thoroughly, both on the outside and inside the cavity. This will enhance the flavor and ensure that every bite is seasoned to perfection. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also inject the chicken with a marinade or butter mixture before seasoning.

Remember, the seasoning is key to creating a mouthwatering beer can chicken on the Big Green Egg. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations and find your favorite flavor profile.

Happy cooking!

Prepping the Big Green Egg

When prepping your Big Green Egg for cooking beer can chicken, it’s important to consider two key factors: optimal temperature and time as well as the essential prep accessories.

You’ll want to ensure that the temperature of your grill is set to the ideal range for cooking chicken, typically around 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.

In addition to temperature, you also need to allow enough time for the chicken to cook thoroughly. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the chicken, but a general rule of thumb is to cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Having the right prep accessories can also greatly enhance your cooking experience. A beer can chicken holder is a popular accessory that helps to keep the chicken upright and stable during cooking. This method allows the chicken to cook evenly and helps to infuse it with flavor from the beer.

A meat thermometer is another essential accessory. It allows you to accurately monitor the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring that it reaches the safe temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help you achieve the best results and ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Optimal Temperature and Time

The optimal temperature for cooking beer can chicken on a big green egg is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking it at this temperature ensures that the chicken is cooked through and has a nice crispy skin.

Here are three cooking techniques to enhance the flavor variations of your beer can chicken:

1. Seasoning: Rub the chicken with your favorite spices and herbs to add depth and complexity to the flavor. Popular options include a blend of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

2. Beer Selection: Choose a beer that complements the flavors you want to achieve. Lighter beers like lagers or pale ales add a subtle flavor, while darker beers like stouts or porters add a richer, more robust taste.

3. Wood Chips: Experiment with different wood chips to infuse the chicken with smoky flavors. Hickory chips provide a classic barbecue taste, while fruitwood chips like apple or cherry add a sweet and fruity essence.

Essential Prep Accessories

Make sure you have all the necessary accessories for prepping your beer can chicken on the big green egg. To ensure a successful cooking process, you’ll need a few key items.

First, a sturdy beer can chicken holder is essential for keeping the chicken upright and stable. This will prevent any tipping or spilling of the beer during cooking.

Additionally, a good pair of heat-resistant gloves will protect your hands while handling the hot grill and chicken.

You’ll also want a reliable meat thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature of the chicken. This will ensure that it is cooked to perfection and safe to eat.

Lastly, don’t forget a basting brush to apply your favorite marinade or sauce during the cooking process.

With these prepping techniques and cooking methods, you’ll be well-equipped to create a delicious beer can chicken on your big green egg.

Setting Up the Beer Can Chicken

To get started on setting up the beer can chicken, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken: Choose a whole chicken that weighs around four to five pounds. Make sure it is cleaned and patted dry before cooking.

2. Rub: Prepare a flavorful rub by combining ingredients like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and herbs of your choice. This will add a delicious taste to the chicken.

3. Beer Can Alternatives: If you don’t have a beer can or prefer not to use one, there are other options you can try. Use a soda can, a stainless steel beer can chicken holder, or even a small, oven-safe dish filled with liquid of your choice, such as broth or apple juice.

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to set up the beer can chicken. Start by preheating your Big Green Egg to around 375°F. While the grill is heating up, generously season the chicken with the rub, making sure to coat it evenly.

Now, if you’re using a beer can, open it and place it in the center of a drip pan. Carefully lower the chicken onto the can, making sure it stands upright. If you’re using an alternative, simply place the chicken on top of the holder or dish.

Remember, for crispy skin, make sure the grill temperature remains consistent throughout the cooking process. Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which should take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Once done, remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, and then carve and serve. Enjoy your delicious beer can chicken cooked on the Big Green Egg!

Cooking the Chicken

Once your grill has reached the desired temperature, you’ll want to carefully place the seasoned chicken on the beer can or alternative holder. This is where the real magic happens! Cooking beer can chicken on the Big Green Egg is all about achieving that perfect combination of juicy meat and smoky flavors. To help you master this cooking technique, here are some tips and flavor variations to try:

Cooking Technique	Flavor Variation
Indirect grilling	Classic BBQ
Rotisserie	Asian-inspired
Smoking	Spicy Cajun

Indirect grilling is the most common technique for cooking beer can chicken. This involves placing the chicken on a beer can or alternative holder in the center of the grill, with the coals placed on either side. The chicken cooks slowly and evenly, allowing the flavors to develop.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a rotisserie attachment on your Big Green Egg. This method gives the chicken a beautiful, even browning and a crispy skin. Experiment with Asian-inspired flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a unique twist.

For a truly flavorful experience, consider smoking the chicken. This involves adding wood chips to the grill and cooking the chicken at a low temperature for a longer period of time. Try a spicy Cajun rub for a bold, smoky taste.

Checking for Doneness

Now that you’ve cooked your beer can chicken on the Big Green Egg, it’s important to check if it’s done and safe to eat. Checking the internal temperature is the best way to ensure it’s cooked to perfection. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use a meat thermometer: Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, without touching the bone. This gives you the most accurate reading.

2. Check for doneness: The chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached this point, continue cooking for a few more minutes and check again.

3. Test different areas: To make sure the chicken is evenly cooked, test the temperature in different parts of the bird. Check the breast, thigh, and wing. If all areas reach 165°F (74°C), then your beer can chicken is ready to be enjoyed!

Serving and Enjoying

When your beer can chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to savor and enjoy every juicy bite. There are different serving methods to choose from, depending on your preference and the occasion.

One classic way to serve beer can chicken is to carve it up into pieces and serve it on a platter. This allows everyone to grab a piece and enjoy the tender, flavorful meat.

Another option is to serve the whole chicken upright on the beer can, creating an impressive centerpiece for your table. This method is great for presentation and allows guests to serve themselves.

Pairing beer can chicken with side dishes is a great way to enhance the overall meal. Traditional choices include cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans. These sides complement the smoky flavors of the chicken and add variety to the meal.

For a lighter option, you can serve the chicken with a fresh salad and grilled vegetables. The crispness of the salad and the charred flavors of the vegetables provide a nice contrast to the juicy chicken.

Don’t forget to have some cold beverages on hand to wash it all down, such as a refreshing beer or a glass of iced tea. Enjoy the deliciousness of your perfectly cooked beer can chicken with your favorite sides and make it a meal to remember.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a simple and delicious way to cook beer can chicken on your Big Green Egg.

By following these steps, you can be confident in preparing a moist and flavorful chicken that your friends and family will love.

Remember to:

• Select the right chicken
• Prepare the beer can
• Season the chicken
• Properly set up your Big Green Egg

Cook the chicken until it reaches the appropriate internal temperature.

Then, serve and enjoy your masterpiece.

Cheers!