Level Up Your Summer BBQ: The Ultimate OYB Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Ah, summer. The season of longer days, backyard hangs, and the unmistakable, glorious smell of BBQ smoke wafting through the neighbourhood. While burgers and dogs are classics, there's one legendary BBQ dish that never fails to impress: Beer Can Chicken.
It might look a little quirky perched on its throne of aluminum, but trust us, the results are spectacular. We're talking incredibly moist, flavourful chicken with crispy skin – basically, BBQ perfection. And the secret weapon? You guessed it: a can of delicious craft beer steaming away inside.
Ready to ditch the basic grill fare and create a masterpiece? Let's make the Ultimate Old Yale Beer Can Chicken!
Why Does This Even Work?
It’s simple, really! As the beer heats up on the grill, it creates steam inside the chicken cavity. This steam keeps the meat incredibly moist while it cooks from the outside in. Plus, depending on the beer you choose, it subtly infuses the chicken with extra layers of flavour. Science + Beer = Deliciousness.
Choosing Your OYB Brew (The Fun Part!)
While many recipes just say "a can of lager," using different Old Yale styles adds unique character. Here are our top picks:
For Classic Flavour: Knotty Blonde Ale or Local Lite Lager
These are fantastic choices if you want the beer's moisture without overpowering the chicken or your spice rub. They provide subtle malt sweetness and crispness. A great starting point!
For a Hoppy Hint: West Coast IPA or a Hazy Pale Ale
Feeling adventurous? An IPA or Hazy adds citrusy, piney, or fruity hop notes that complement the smoky grill flavour. Be mindful – very bitter IPAs can sometimes impart too much bitterness, so our balanced options work well.
For a Richer Note: Sasquatch Stout
Want a deeper, slightly roasted character? A stout adds unique coffee and chocolate undertones that work surprisingly well, especially if you're using a richer BBQ rub. (Pro Tip: Only fill the stout can about 1/3 full for this one, as darker beers can foam more!)
Ingredients You'll Need:
1 Whole Chicken (around 3.5 - 4 lbs)
1 Can (473ml) of your chosen Old Yale Beer (Knotty Blonde recommended for first-timers!)
2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
Your favourite BBQ Spice Rub (Or make your own! See below)
Simple Spice Rub:
* 1 tbsp Paprika
* 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional, for sweetness & colour)
* 2 tsp Garlic Powder
* 2 tsp Onion Powder
* 1 tsp Salt
* 1 tsp Black Pepper
* ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a kick)
* 1 tsp Dried Thyme or Rosemary (optional)
Equipment:
BBQ Grill (Gas or Charcoal, needs a lid)
Meat Thermometer (Essential!)
Tongs
Optional: Beer Can Chicken Roaster Stand (makes it more stable)
Let's Get Cooking!
Prep the Bird: Remove the chicken from its packaging. Remove any giblets from the cavity. Pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels (this is KEY for crispy skin!).
Oil & Rub: Rub the chicken all over with the olive oil. In a small bowl, mix your spice rub ingredients. Generously season the chicken inside and out, rubbing it into the skin. Gently lift the skin over the breast and thighs and rub some seasoning underneath for extra flavour. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes while you prep the grill.
Prep the Beer Can: Open your chosen can of Old Yale beer. Pour out (or enjoy!) about half of the beer. You want the can about half full – too much liquid won't let it steam properly. Carefully punch a couple more holes in the top of the can with a can opener or sturdy skewer for extra steam escape.
The Throne: Carefully lower the chicken cavity over the open beer can. The chicken legs and the can should form a stable tripod. (If using a stand, place the can in the stand first, then lower the chicken onto it).
Set Up the Grill: Prepare your grill for indirect heat.
Gas Grill: Turn one or two burners to medium/medium-low and leave one or two burners OFF. You'll place the chicken over the unlit section.
Charcoal Grill: Arrange hot coals on either side of the grill, leaving the center clear.
Aim for a grill temperature around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Add wood chips for extra smoky flavour if you like!
Grill Time! Carefully place the chicken (on its can tripod) onto the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid.
Cook & Check: Grill for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken and your grill's heat. The chicken is done when:
A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding bone) reads 165°F (74°C).
The juices run clear when pierced.
The Careful Removal: This is important! The can and the liquid inside will be extremely hot. Use sturdy tongs (and maybe heat-proof gloves) to carefully lift the entire chicken-and-can assembly off the grill and onto a sturdy platter or baking sheet.
REST! Let the chicken rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist bird. Carefully lift the chicken off the hot can (use tongs/gloves!). Discard the can and remaining liquid.
Carve & Serve: Carve the chicken and serve immediately with your favourite BBQ sides!
Tips for Ultimate Success:
Dry is Key: Seriously, pat that chicken DRY for the crispiest skin.
Flavour Boost: Add some fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) or garlic cloves inside the beer can for extra aromatic steam.
Even Cooking: Rotate the chicken halfway through if one side seems to be cooking faster.
Temperature is Everything: Don't guess – use that meat thermometer! It's the only way to ensure perfectly cooked, safe chicken.
Safety First: Remember the can is HOT. Handle with care during removal.
Grab Your Beer & Get Grilling!
There you have it – the keys to unlocking incredible flavour and moisture for your next BBQ chicken. The combination of smoky grill flavour, your custom spice rub, and the subtle infusion from an Old Yale brew makes for an unforgettable meal.
Stop by Old Yale Brewing in Chilliwack or Abbotsford to pick up the essential ingredient – the beer! Grab a 4-pack of Knotty Blonde, West Coast IPA, or Sasquatch Stout and get ready to impress your friends and family.
Happy Grilling! 🔥🍗🍻