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Perfect Beer Can Chicken Recipe with Easy Herb Butter Rub

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A juicy, flavorful beer can chicken recipe featuring a fresh herb butter rub that delivers crispy skin and tender meat, perfect for weekend cookouts and easy outdoor cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds / 1.8-2.3 kg)
  • Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons / 85 grams), softened
  • Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon), finely chopped
  • Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon), leaves only
  • Garlic (3 cloves), minced
  • Paprika (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1 ½ teaspoons)
  • Black pepper (1 teaspoon), freshly ground
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • One standard 12 oz (355 ml) can of beer (lager or pale ale preferred)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the herb butter rub: In a mixing bowl, combine 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
  2. Prep the chicken: Remove giblets from the cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the entire chicken and rub it in.
  3. Apply the herb butter rub: Spread the herb butter mixture evenly under the skin of the chicken breast and over the entire outer surface. Rub any leftover butter inside the cavity.
  4. Prepare the beer can: Open the 12 oz beer can and pour out or drink about half the beer to prevent overflow. Optionally add herbs or garlic inside the can.
  5. Set the chicken on the beer can: Carefully place the chicken upright onto the beer can so it stands vertically. Use a beer can holder if available for stability.
  6. Preheat the grill: Heat grill to medium heat (about 375°F / 190°C) for indirect cooking. Set up a drip pan under the grill grates.
  7. Grill the chicken: Place the chicken over indirect heat, close the lid, and cook for 60-75 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest thigh part.
  8. Rest the chicken: Remove chicken from grill, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  9. Carve and serve: Carefully remove the beer can, carve the chicken, and serve with desired sides.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before applying rub to ensure crispy skin. Use indirect heat to avoid burning. Rest chicken for 10 minutes after cooking to keep meat juicy. If skin browns too fast, move chicken to cooler grill area or reduce heat. Can be cooked in oven upright at 375°F for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: beer can chicken, herb butter rub, grilled chicken, roast chicken, outdoor cooking, barbecue chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/perfect-beer-can-chicken-recipe-with-easy-herb-butter-rub/