Beer Butt Chicken Recipe

Name: Beer Butt Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: These are approximate amounts, change according to taste and change according to what spices/herbs you prefer if necessary.; RUB; 1/4 cup (60 ml) packed brown sugar; 3 tbsp (45 ml) kosher salt; 2 tbsp (30 ml) thyme; 2 tbsp (30 ml) garlic powder; 2 tbsp (30 ml) garlic salt; 2 tbsp (30 ml) ground cumin; 2 tbsp (30 ml) chili powder; 1/2 tsp (2 ml). cayenne pepper; 2 tbsp (30 ml) paprika; 3 lbs (1.4 kg). to 4 lbs (1.8 kg). whole chicken; 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped white onion; 3 tbsp (45 ml) to 4 tbsp (60 ml) butter or margarine; 1 can beer - Budweiser, Old Milwaukee, just no lite beer, you want something with some flavor

Servings: persons

These are approximate amounts, change according to taste and change according to what spices/herbs you prefer if necessary.
RUB
1/4 cup (60 ml) packed brown sugar
3 tbsp (45 ml) kosher salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) thyme
2 tbsp (30 ml) garlic powder
2 tbsp (30 ml) garlic salt
2 tbsp (30 ml) ground cumin
2 tbsp (30 ml) chili powder
1/2 tsp (2 ml). cayenne pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) paprika
3 lbs (1.4 kg). to 4 lbs (1.8 kg). whole chicken
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped white onion
3 tbsp (45 ml) to 4 tbsp (60 ml) butter or margarine
1 can beer - Budweiser, Old Milwaukee, just no lite beer, you want something with some flavor

1
Mix all herbs and spices for rub.
2
Open beer can and then using a church key open the entire top (or as much as possible).
3
Pour out about 1/2 the can of beer.
4
Rinse and thoroughly dry outside AND inside of chicken (drying is very important or the rub won't stick).
5
Take a couple of tbsp of the butter and rub outside and inside of chicken.
6
Massage rub into chicken - both inside and out.
7
Place about 1 T to 2 tbsp (30 ml) of the rub in beer can slowly - beer will foam up because of the salt so add it slowly and at the sink.
8
Add chopped onion to beer can.
9
Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of butter to beer can.
10
Very carefully set chicken on beer can to form a tripod i.e., beer can is one support, legs of chicken are the other two supports.
11
Let chicken come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
12
If grilling with charcoal place coals around the bird for an indirect cooking method for about 2 hours.
13
If using gas turn on one side of gas grill and place bird on side that is not lit for about 2 hours.
14
If smoking fill water pan with apple juice, use Hickory wood chunks that have been soaking for about 1 hour in water and cook for 5 - 6 hours.

771

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

109

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: These are approximate amounts, change according to taste and change according to what spices/herbs you prefer if necessary., RUB, 1/4 cup (60 ml) packed brown sugar, 3 tbsp (45 ml) kosher salt, and more.

Yes, Beer Butt Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Beer Butt Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions