The Secret Ingredients Behind Weber’s Beer Can Chicken Magic
As a backyard grilling enthusiast, I’m always on the hunt for ways to add bold, craveworthy flavor to classic BBQ favorites. And let’s be honest, beer can chicken is about as classic as it gets! There’s just something so fun and nostalgic about cracking open a cold one, sliding it into the chicken cavity, and letting the beer steam and infuse the meat as it slowly rotates upright on the grill. Mmm I can practically taste the crispy seasoned skin and juicy tender meat already!
But as delicious as the concept sounds, we’ve all had lackluster beer can chicken that didn’t quite live up to the hype. Turns out, to really nail this recipe you need two secret ingredients – a flavorful seasoning blend and the right technique. That’s why I was so excited to learn about Weber’s Beer Can Chicken Seasoning – it’s specially designed to give this backyard staple an extra flavor punch!
In this article, we’ll dive into everything that’s in Weber’s Beer Can Chicken seasoning, as well as tips for grilling up the juciest, most flavorful beer can chicken every time. Let’s get crackin’!
Weber’s Beer Can Chicken Seasoning – The Breakdown
First things first, let’s look at what actually makes Weber’s seasoning blend so special. Here’s an overview of the key ingredients:
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Salt – The base that brings out the chicken’s savory flavors
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Onion & Garlic – Provides aromatic depth
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Spices – A blend of herbs & spices like thyme, rosemary, pepper and more
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Sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the blend
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Red Bell Pepper – Extra flavor punch
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Lemon Peel – Bright, citrusy notes
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Paprika – Vibrant color and subtle smokiness
So in a nutshell, Weber’s Beer Can Chicken Seasoning is an expertly balanced blend of savory, sweet, herby and spicy flavors. When rubbed onto the chicken skin, it forms a crazy flavorful crust while also infusing the meat with flavor as the bird roasts.
But as we all know, a seasoning is only as good as the technique! So let’s look at how to grill up perfect beer can chicken.
Grilling Up Perfectly Flavorful Beer Can Chicken
Prepping the bird:
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Pat chicken dry and coat generously with Weber seasoning, including the cavity
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Crack open a 12 oz. can of beer and pour out about half
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Add extra seasoning and herbs into beer can
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Insert can into cavity of chicken
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Tie legs together with twine to secure its shape
Grilling:
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Indirect heat is best, aim for 350-375°F
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Use a vertical roasting stand to hold chicken upright
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Cook for 1-1.5 hours until 165°F in breast and 175°F in thighs
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For crispiest skin, crank heat at end to crisp up
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Let rest 10 minutes before carving
The steaming beer, upright position, and slow roasting time allows the meat to baste itself from the inside out. The result? Tender, juicy meat infused with flavorful notes from the beer and seasoning.
Meanwhile, the savory seasoning rub forms a crispy, caramelized outer crust. Each bite is a magical combo of succulent and crispy, herby and spicy. Absolute BBQ perfection!
Tips for Maximizing Flavor
Follow these tips to get the most flavor out of your beer can chicken:
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Go bold with the seasoning – don’t be shy!
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Consider injecting or brining chicken for extra moisture
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Add fresh herbs, citrus and garlic to the can for flavor
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Spice up the seasoning blend with chili powder or cayenne
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Use a bold, flavorful beer like an amber ale or IPA
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Crisp up the skin at end by cranking up the heat
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Let chicken rest before carving for juiciest meat
Take Your Chicken to the Next Level
While beer can chicken is delicious on its own, Weber’s seasoning blend can also take other chicken recipes to the next level. Try rubbing it onto:
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Bone-in chicken pieces like thighs, legs, breasts
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Whole roast chickens or spatchcocked birds
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Grilled chicken sandwiches or skewers
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Chicken wings – toss in sauce after grilling
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Fried chicken for extra crispiness and flavor
The possibilities are endless! I like to keep a shaker of this seasoning on hand to give weeknight chicken dinners a boost of finger-licking, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Next time you fire up the grill or oven, give Weber’s Beer Can Chicken seasoning a whirl – your tastebuds will thank you! The balance of savory, spicy, and citrusy flavors adds so much depth and personality. And the aroma alone will have everyone salivating as it sizzles away. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m craving beer can chicken big time after writing this!
Take Your Grilling Anywhere
- In a small bowl combine the rub ingredients.
- Lightly brush the chicken all over with the oil and season, inside and outside, with the rub.
- Prepare the grill for cooking over medium heat (375° to 425°F). Please leave your Wood Pellet grill ON for the entirety of your cook to ensure the rest & serve steps are received seamlessly. Prepare the grill for cooking over medium heat (400°F). Please leave your Wood Pellet grill ON for the entirety of your cook to ensure the rest & serve steps are received seamlessly.
- Open the beer can and pour off half of the beer. Using a church key–style can opener, make two more holes in the top of the can. Set the can on a flat surface and slide the chicken over the top so the can fits inside the cavity. Transfer the chicken-on-a-can to the grill, keeping the can upright. Carefully balance the chicken on its two legs and the can. Grill over indirect medium heat, with the lid closed, until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 160° to 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone), 1¼ to 1½ hours. Open the beer can and pour off half of the beer. Using a church key–style can opener, make two more holes in the top of the can. Set the can on a flat surface and slide the chicken over the top so the can fits inside the cavity. Transfer the chicken-on-a-can to the grill, keeping the can upright. Carefully balance the chicken on its two legs and the can. Grill over indirect medium heat, with the lid closed, until the internal temperature reaches in the thickest part of the breast (not touching the bone), 1¼ to 1½ hours. Open the beer can and pour off half of the beer. Using a church key–style can opener, make two more holes in the top of the can. Set the can on a flat surface and slide the chicken over the top so the can fits inside the cavity. Transfer the chicken-on-a-can to the grill, keeping the can upright. Carefully balance the chicken on its two legs and the can. Grill over medium heat, with the lid closed, until the internal temperature reaches in the thickest part of the breast (not touching the bone), 1¼ to 1½ hours.
- Using tongs, grasp the bird and slide a sturdy, wide spatula under the beer can. Carefully transfer it in an upright position to a platter and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes (the internal temperature will rise a few degrees during this time). Using tongs to hold the chicken and paper towels to hold the can, give the chicken a little twist to loosen the can before trying to remove it. Carefully lift the chicken off the beer can, keeping the can upright to prevent the hot beer from spilling (the beer will be very hot). Discard the beer. Cut the chicken into serving pieces. Serve warm.
Weber Beer Can Chicken
FAQ
What are the ingredients in Weber beer can chicken seasoning?
Salt, Onion, Garlic, Spices, Sugar, Red Bell Pepper, Lemon Peel, Citric Acid, Paprika Extractives (Color) And Natural Flavor.
What are the spices in beer can chicken?
Mix together brown sugar, dry mustard, granulated onion, paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl until well combined. Store in an airtight container if not using right away.
What are the ingredients in Weber seasoning?
Weber® Original Dry Rub helps you kick up the flavor of your favorite meals. This rub will add mouthwatering flavor to your grilled steak, pork, or chicken favorites! Sugar, Turbinado Sugar, Salt, Dried Garlic, Chili Pepper, Paprika, Spices, Rice Concentrate, Red Pepper.
What’s in Weber Kick-N-Chicken seasoning?
Onion, Salt, Garlic, Spices, Red Pepper, Orange Peel, Sugar, Red Bell Pepper, Paprika Extractives (Color).