Smoking a beer can chicken is one of my favorite ways to prepare chicken. The beer infuses moisture and flavor into the meat, while the low smoking temperature keeps it incredibly juicy and tender. But getting the timing right can be tricky. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about smoking a beer can chicken at 225°F, from prep to serving.
An Overview of Beer Can Chicken
Beer can chicken refers to the technique of cooking a whole chicken upright over an open can of beer. The chicken sits on the can, with the beer steaming and flavoring it from the inside out.
Some of the benefits of beer can chicken include
- Moist, infused meat
- Crispy skin when finished at high heat
- Fun presentation
- Infusion of beer flavor
Choosing a light lager or fruity beer allows the chicken to absorb the beer’s subtle flavors without becoming overly bitter The beer also provides moisture, steaming the meat delicately rather than drying it out
Preparing the Chicken
Proper prep is key to ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and absorbs maximum flavor. Here are the steps:
- Remove giblets and neck from the chicken cavity. Rinse the chicken inside and out.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Allowing it to air dry further in the fridge helps too.
- Apply a dry rub inside and out. Get seasoning under the skin too.
- Allow to marinate for up to 24 hours for more flavor infusion.
- Partially empty a 12-16 oz beer can. Use a church key to poke vent holes.
- Insert beer can in the cavity. Balance upright on a beer can chicken stand.
Getting the Smoker Ready
With chicken prepped, it’s time to fire up the smoker:
- Heat smoker to 225°F using fruit wood like cherry or apple.
- Add a water pan for moisture and even heating.
- Place chicken upright on the beer can in the smoker.
- Maintain temperature between 225-250°F for optimal results.
Determining Smoking Time
The biggest question is, how long should you actually smoke a beer can chicken at 225°F? Here are general guidelines:
- Calculate 15-20 minutes per pound of chicken.
- A 5 lb chicken takes around 1.5 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness.
- Smoke until the thickest part of the breast hits 165°F.
The beer can extends the cooking time slightly. Monitor temperature and allow the full time needed for perfect safe results.
Finishing for Crispy Skin
For crispy skin, finish the chicken at a higher temperature:
- After the initial smoking at 225°F, increase heat to 350°F.
- Cook for 30-60 more minutes until skin crisps and meat hits 165°F.
- The higher heat ensures a crackling, golden brown exterior.
Letting It Rest
Letting the chicken rest after smoking allows juices to redistribute evenly:
- Rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
- Keep it on the beer can so juices don’t drain out.
- Do not tightly cover, as this makes the skin soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Your juicy smoked beer can chicken is ready to serve! Suggested sides and serving tips include:
- Pull meat off the bone or neatly carve it.
- Pair with baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, or potatoes.
- Add barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or another flavorful sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives.
Smoking Tips for Best Results
Follow these handy tips when smoking beer can chicken at 225°F:
- Use an accurate food thermometer to monitor doneness.
- Keep smoker sealed as much as possible for even heating.
- Add smoker box wood chips every 45-60 minutes for consistent smoke.
- Injecting marinade adds flavor and moisture throughout the meat.
- Let chicken rest 15 minutes before carving for better juice retention.
Smoking beer can chicken at 225°F gives you juicy, infused meat and crisp skin when finished at a higher heat. Plan for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, using a thermometer to confirm readiness. Rest and serve with tasty sauces and sides. Follow these guidelines for mouthwatering backyard beer can chicken.
BEST Smoked Beer Can Chicken Recipe
Whether you are smoking your beer can chicken on a pellet grill like a Traeger (that’s what we used), or any other smoker …. this recipe is a tried-and-true recipe that is crazy easy to make. Pro tip: if you are already heating up your smoker to make one of these, why not make at least two? The leftover chicken can be used for so many recipes like Smoked Chicken Salad, BBQ Chicken Tacos or Healthy Apple Salad!
Why This Recipe Works
- Start Low/End High: we are starting the smoker off pretty low to get some of that amazing smokiness to seep into the chicken. If you have your smoker on really high you are treating it more like a grill than a smoker. After we smoke the chicken for a bit, then we crank up the heat to finish it off so the skin gets nice and crispy!
- Super Moist: the beer keeps the chicken super moist and delicious!
- Easy: It’s as easy and putting rub on your chicken, placing the beer in the cavity (open it first) and then placing it on the smoker – make one temperature change during the cooking process and that’s about it! A pretty foolproof recipe!
How To Smoke Beer Can Chicken On Traeger Pellet Grill Ironwood 650
FAQ
How long to smoke a beer can chicken at 225?
Apply rub to chickens and mount them on the beer cans. Cook at 225-250°F for 2 hours, rotate 180°, and baste with apple juice.
How long will it take to smoke a chicken at 225 degrees?
How long do you smoke chicken at 225? A whole smoked chicken will take about 3-5 hours to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Always make sure to check based on the size of your bird, though.
What is the target temperature for beer can chicken?
Ingredients. Place the entire chicken and beer can directly on the grill grate. Cook for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165℉ in the thickest part of the breast.
What is the best temperature to cook a whole chicken on a pellet smoker?
What temperature do you smoke a whole chicken on a pellet smoker? For the best results, smoke a whole chicken at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature ensures a juicy, tender result without becoming dry.
How long do you smoke beer can chicken?
Smoke the beer can chicken for 3 hours, then turn up the temperature. For the first three hours, you’ll want to keep the temperature on your pellet grill or smoker right around 225°f. This will gently cook the chicken while keeping the meat moist and tender. After three hours, it’s time to turn up the heat and crip that chicken skin!
How long do you smoke chicken in a smoker?
Once your smoker is at 225°F, place your chicken in the smoker and close the lid. Smoke the chicken for an hour or until its internal temperature reaches 115°F-120°F. Then, I like to increase the temperature to 350°F, which will help crisp the chicken skin. You don’t have to remove the chicken while heating the smoker to 350°F.
Should you rest smoked beer can chicken?
Rest and Serve! Resting is the most essential part of high-quality barbecue and will improve your smoked beer can chicken. By resting, you allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than spill out as you cut it when still piping hot from the smoker.
How do you cook Beer can Chicken?
Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F for beer can chicken. Once you reach an internal temperature of around 120°F, increase the temperature to 350°F and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F. Wondering what to serve with your beer can chicken?
Do you need a smoker to cook chicken?
You don’t need an expensive smoker when cooking chicken; a round weber style grill will work just fine so long as you can keep the fire away from the chicken as it cooks. This indirect heat roasts the chicken slowly as the beer can inside steams it, helping cook the product evenly while infusing it with tons of flavor.
How long do you smoke chicken in a crock pot?
Smoke the chicken for an hour or until its internal temperature reaches 115°F-120°F. Then, I like to increase the temperature to 350°F, which will help crisp the chicken skin. You don’t have to remove the chicken while heating the smoker to 350°F. Keep cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°; this took me about an hour.