How to Make Beer Can Chicken on Big Green Egg

Looking to make a mouthwatering beer can chicken on your Big Green Egg? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to achieve tender, flavorful chicken that is sure to impress your guests.

From selecting the perfect chicken to seasoning it just right, we’ve got you covered.

Get ready to fire up your grill and enjoy the deliciousness that is beer can chicken on the Big Green Egg.

Let’s dive in!

Selecting the Right Chicken

When selecting the right chicken for beer can chicken, it’s important to choose a fresh and preferably organic bird. Freshness is key to ensure a flavorful and juicy result. Look for chickens that have a plump and firm texture, with no discoloration or unpleasant odor. Organic chickens are free from hormones and antibiotics, making them a healthier option for you and your family.

Beer can chicken is a popular cooking method that involves placing a whole chicken upright on a beer can and grilling it. This method allows the chicken to cook evenly while infusing it with the flavors of the beer. The steam from the beer keeps the meat moist, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.

In addition to being delicious, beer can chicken also offers health benefits. Chicken is a lean source of protein, which helps in muscle growth and repair. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and iron. By choosing organic chicken, you can further reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides.

Preparing the Beer Can

To prepare the beer can, you’ll need to carefully remove the tab and pour out a small amount of the liquid. This step is important to prevent any overflowing or spilling during the cooking process. Once you have emptied a small portion of the liquid, you can choose to replace it with beer, wine, or any other flavorful liquid of your choice.

The beer can serves as a vessel to infuse the chicken with moisture and flavor while it cooks. Here are some benefits of using a beer can for beer can chicken:

• Moisture retention: The liquid in the beer can creates steam as it heats up, keeping the chicken moist and juicy.
• Flavor infusion: The beer or other liquid you choose adds a subtle flavor to the chicken, enhancing its taste.
• Stability: Placing the chicken on the beer can helps it stay upright and evenly cook, resulting in a well-balanced meal.

If you don’t have a beer can, don’t worry! There are alternatives you can use, such as a beer can chicken stand or a vertical roaster. These tools serve the same purpose of keeping the chicken upright and allowing it to cook evenly.

Additionally, you can also use a ceramic or metal cup to hold the liquid and place it inside the chicken cavity. Experiment with different flavors and liquids to customize your beer can chicken and enjoy a delicious and moist dish.

Seasoning the Chicken

Before seasoning the chicken, ensure that it is thoroughly rinsed and patted dry. This step is crucial as it helps remove any unwanted bacteria and excess moisture from the chicken.

Now that your chicken is ready, let’s talk about seasoning options and marinating techniques to enhance its flavor.

One popular method is marinating the chicken. This involves soaking the chicken in a mixture of herbs, spices, and liquids to infuse it with delicious flavors. You can use a marinade made with ingredients like soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Simply combine these ingredients in a bowl, place the chicken in a resealable bag, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

If marinating isn’t your thing, there are alternative seasoning options to consider. Dry rubs are a great choice as they add a burst of flavor without the need for marinating time. You can create your own dry rub using a combination of spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Simply coat the chicken with the dry rub and let it rest for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Preparing the Big Green Egg

The first step in preparing the BGE is ensuring that it’s clean and free of any leftover residue from previous use. Cleaning and maintenance are essential for optimal performance and longevity of your Big Green Egg. Here’s how you can properly prepare your BGE:

• Start by removing any leftover ashes from the firebox. Use a metal scoop or ash tool to carefully scoop out the ashes and dispose of them properly.

• Next, clean the cooking grates and other accessories. Use a grill brush to scrub off any stuck-on food or debris. For stubborn residue, you can soak the grates in warm soapy water before scrubbing.

• Wipe down the interior of the BGE with a damp cloth to remove any dust or buildup. Pay special attention to the gasket, making sure it’s clean and intact.

• Check the vents and make sure they are clear of any obstructions. This will ensure proper airflow during cooking.

• Lastly, preheat the Big Green Egg before each use. This helps to burn off any remaining residue and ensures that the BGE reaches the desired cooking temperature more quickly.

Cooking the Beer Can Chicken

Now that you’ve properly prepared your BGE, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy a juicy, flavorful beer can chicken. Cooking beer can chicken on a Big Green Egg is not only delicious but also a fun technique to try. To get that perfect crispy skin, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

First, make sure to preheat your BGE to a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and the skin gets crispy.

Next, prepare your beer can by opening a can of your favorite beer and taking a few sips (or pour out a little) to make some room. You can also add herbs, spices, or marinades to infuse more flavor into the chicken.

To achieve that crispy skin, it’s important to brush the chicken with oil or melted butter before seasoning it with your favorite rub or spices. This will help the skin brown and crisp up nicely. Additionally, you can place a drip pan underneath the chicken to catch any drippings and prevent flare-ups.

Once you’ve seasoned your chicken and prepared your beer can, it’s time to carefully place the chicken onto the can, making sure it’s stable. Then, place the chicken on the BGE and close the lid. Cook the chicken for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

During the cooking process, it’s a good idea to periodically baste the chicken with any leftover marinade or juices to keep it moist and flavorful. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and ensure that the chicken is cooked through.

Once your beer can chicken is done, carefully remove it from the BGE and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken even more tender and juicy.

Monitoring the Temperature

When cooking, it’s important to monitor the temperature to ensure your food is cooked to perfection.

One key point to consider is the ideal cooking temperature for your dish, as this can vary depending on what you’re cooking.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of temperature fluctuations during cooking, as this can affect the overall outcome of your dish.

Ideal Cooking Temperature

To achieve the ideal cooking temperature for beer can chicken on the Big Green Egg, you’ll want to preheat your grill to 375°F. This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Here are some tips for achieving crispy skin and a perfectly cooked bird:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The ideal cooking time for beer can chicken is about 1 to 1.5 hours. Make sure the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.

• To achieve crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning it. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up nicely.

• Brush the chicken with oil or butter before cooking. This helps to enhance the browning and crisping of the skin.

Temperature Fluctuations During Cooking?

If you’re experiencing temperature fluctuations during cooking, try adjusting the airflow vents on your grill to regulate the heat. Temperature control is important when cooking, especially when it comes to achieving perfect results.

To troubleshoot temperature fluctuations, start by checking the airflow vents on your grill. These vents control the amount of oxygen that reaches the fire, thus affecting the temperature. If your grill is too hot, try closing the vents slightly to reduce the airflow. On the other hand, if your grill is not hot enough, open the vents to allow more oxygen in.

Serving and Enjoying the Chicken

When it comes to serving and enjoying your chicken, it’s important to think about flavorful accompaniments and the best beer pairings.

Adding delicious side dishes like roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw can complement the flavors of the chicken and enhance your dining experience.

And don’t forget to choose the right beer to go with your meal, whether it’s a crisp lager, a hoppy IPA, or a smooth stout, as the right beer can elevate the flavors and create a perfect harmony of tastes.

Flavorful Accompaniments for Chicken

For a delicious side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, consider making some garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad. These flavorful accompaniments will complement the smoky and juicy flavors of the chicken.

Here are some additional suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Grilled Vegetable Side Dishes:
• Grilled corn on the cob with lime and chili powder for a tangy and spicy kick.
• Grilled zucchini and yellow squash seasoned with herbs and olive oil for a light and refreshing option.
• Grilled bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms tossed in a homemade barbecue sauce for a savory and smoky flavor.

These grilled vegetable side dishes not only add variety to your meal but also provide a healthy and colorful addition to your plate. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures as you savor your beer can chicken and these delectable side dishes.

Best Beer Pairings

To enhance your beer can chicken experience, try pairing it with a hoppy IPA or a smooth and malty stout for a harmonious blend of flavors. The right beer can elevate the taste of your chicken, complementing the smoky and juicy flavors perfectly. Here are some beer pairing recommendations for your beer can chicken variations:

Beer Type	Chicken Variation
IPA	Spicy Chipotle
Stout	Sweet and Tangy
Lager	Classic BBQ
Wheat	Citrusy Herb

Pairing a hoppy IPA with a spicy chipotle beer can chicken will bring out the heat and enhance the smoky flavors. A smooth and malty stout pairs well with a sweet and tangy beer can chicken, creating a delicious contrast. A refreshing lager complements a classic BBQ beer can chicken, while a wheat beer with citrusy herb notes adds a fresh and vibrant touch to your chicken. Experiment with different beer pairings to find your favorite combination and take your beer can chicken to the next level.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a delicious and flavorful beer can chicken cooked on the Big Green Egg!

By selecting the right chicken, preparing the beer can, seasoning the chicken, and properly cooking it on the Big Green Egg, you can create a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress.

Remember to monitor the temperature throughout the cooking process to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection.

Serve it up and enjoy the juicy and tender meat that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Cheers to a successful beer can chicken on the Big Green Egg!