The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Beer Can Chicken on a Pellet Grill: Perfect Timing for Juicy Results

Are you wonderin’ how long to cook that delicious beer can chicken on your pellet grill? Well, I’ve got you covered with all the details you need to make this backyard favorite absolutely perfect! As someone who’s cooked more chicken than I care to admit, I’m excited to share this comprehensive guide with you

The Short Answer

For those who just want the quick answer: Cook your beer can chicken on a pellet grill at 325°F for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

But there’s so much more to achieving that perfect beer can chicken! Let’s dive deeper into the process.

Why Beer Can Chicken on a Pellet Grill Works So Well

Beer can chicken (also called “drunk chicken” by some of my friends) is a brilliant cooking method that delivers incredible results on a pellet grill. The beer steams the chicken from the inside, keeping the meat moist while the pellet grill provides consistent heat and that amazing smoky flavor.

Green Mountain Grills points out that the peaked lid shape of their pellet grills makes it especially easy to cook multiple beer can chickens at once – perfect for when you’re hosting a backyard party!

What You’ll Need

For a basic beer can chicken recipe, gather these ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 1 can of American beer (half-emptied)
• 1 shot of tequila (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1/4 cup sea salt or kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Black pepper
• Garlic salt
• Gold Blend pellets (or your preferred hardwood pellets)

Preparation Steps Before Cooking

Before we talk about cooking time, let’s make sure your chicken is properly prepped

1. Create a brine by dissolving 1/4 cup kosher salt in about a gallon of water.
2. Wash and rinse your whole chicken thoroughly, removing the giblets.
3. Submerge the chicken completely in the salt water and refrigerate for about 3 hours. (This brining step is crucial for juicy meat!)
4. Mix 2 tablespoons melted butter with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
5. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, both inside and out.
6. Season generously with garlic salt and black pepper.
7. Empty about half the beer from the can (drink it if you want – I know I do!).
8. Add a shot of tequila to the beer can for extra flavor (this is optional but adds amazing flavor).
9. Insert the beer can into the cavity so the chicken stands upright.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Now, let’s talk specifically about the cooking time, which is probably why you’re here:

Setting Up Your Pellet Grill

1. Preheat your pellet grill to 325°F.
2. Wait until the temperature stabilizes before adding your chicken.
3. Place the standing chicken (on its beer can) directly on the grill grates.

Cooking Duration

• Total cooking time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes at 325°F
• Internal temperature goal: 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh
• How to check doneness: The leg should move freely in the socket when the chicken is fully cooked

Factors That Might Affect Cooking Time

Not all chickens or grills are created equal! Here are some things that might affect your cooking time:

Size of Chicken

• Small chicken (3-4 pounds): May finish in under 2 hours
• Medium chicken (4-5 pounds): The standard 2-2.5 hours usually works
• Large chicken (5+ pounds): Might need up to 3 hours

Weather Conditions

• Cold or windy days: Add 15-30 minutes to cooking time
• Hot summer days: Might cook slightly faster

Pellet Grill Variations

Different pellet grills maintain temperatures differently. Green Mountain Grills have excellent temperature control, but you should always use an instant-read thermometer to verify your chicken’s doneness rather than relying solely on time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of mistakes over the years cooking beer can chicken, so learn from my errors:

• Don’t skip the brining: It’s truly what makes the meat juicy
• Don’t rush the preheating: Make sure your grill is at a stable 325°F before adding the chicken
• Don’t forget to empty half the beer: A too-full can might boil over and not create enough steam
• Don’t place the chicken too close to the lid: Make sure you have adequate clearance
• Don’t rely on time alone: Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness

Tips for the Juiciest Beer Can Chicken

Here are some pro tips I’ve learned for making the absolute best beer can chicken:

• Use warm beer in the can, not cold beer right from the fridge
• Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the beer can for extra flavor
• Sprinkle a dry rub on the skin for extra flavor and crispiness
• Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking before carving
• Try different pellet flavors to experiment with smoke profiles

FAQ About Cooking Beer Can Chicken on a Pellet Grill

Is it better to cook beer can chicken at a lower temperature for longer?

While some recipes call for lower temperatures (around 275°F) for 3+ hours, I find that 325°F provides the perfect balance of cooking efficiency and moisture retention. The chicken cooks through properly while the skin gets crispy without drying out the meat.

Can I use something besides beer?

Absolutely! You can use soda, fruit juice, or even just water with herbs. The liquid is mainly there to create steam, though beer adds a subtle flavor that many people love.

Do I need to rotate the chicken while cooking?

With a pellet grill, the heat circulation is usually very even, so rotating isn’t typically necessary. That’s one of the benefits of using a pellet grill instead of other cooking methods!

What type of pellets should I use?

Green Mountain Grills recommends their Gold Blend pellets for chicken, but apple, cherry, or competition blend pellets all work great with chicken.

Is it safe to consume the beer after it’s been used to cook the chicken?

No! The beer will have raw chicken juices in it. Always discard the beer after cooking.

A Complete Beer Can Chicken Recipe for Your Pellet Grill

Let me share the full recipe I use, based on Green Mountain Grills’ approach but with a few of my own tweaks:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
• 1 can of American beer
• 1 shot of tequila
• 1/4 cup kosher salt (for brine)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (my addition)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

1. Create brine by dissolving salt in a gallon of cold water in a large pot.
2. Wash chicken thoroughly, remove giblets, and submerge in brine for 3 hours in refrigerator.
3. Preheat pellet grill to 325°F.
4. Remove chicken from brine, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towels.
5. Mix melted butter and oil together, then rub all over chicken (inside and out).
6. Season generously with garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne (if using).
7. Drink or pour out half the beer from the can, then add the shot of tequila to the can.
8. Place chicken cavity over the beer can so it stands upright.
9. Place the standing chicken directly on the preheated grill grates.
10. Close lid and cook for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
11. Check internal temperature – chicken is done when thigh meat reaches 165°F.
12. Carefully remove chicken from grill (the can will be hot!).
13. Let rest for 10 minutes before removing the can and carving.

Final Thoughts

Cooking beer can chicken on a pellet grill isn’t just about the time—it’s about the process. That magical combination of steam from the beer can inside and the consistent heat and smoke from the pellet grill creates something truly special.

The 2 hours and 15 minutes at 325°F is a solid guideline, but remember that cooking to temperature (165°F) is always more important than cooking to time. Every chicken is different, and every grill performs slightly differently.

Happy grilling, y’all!