Grilled Beer-Can Whole Chicken
Grilled Beer-Can Whole Chicken delivers juicy, tender meat with a crisp, well-seasoned skin from a bold rub of chili powder, paprika, and brown sugar. The gentle steam from the beer keeps the bird moist while adding subtle malty notes. Perfect for summer cookouts or casual weekend dinners, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that pairs well with corn on the cob and slaw.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook1 hr 15 mins
- Serves4
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Grilled Beer-Can Whole Chicken, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactPoor
- 31 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 14 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityGood
- 92 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 40
- Heart Health
- 65
- Metabolic
- 29
- Digestive
- 38
- Inflammatory
- 57
- Performance
- 42
- General Wellness
- 1
Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat, about 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- 2
Combine brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set a half-full can of beer in the center of a plate.
- 3
Position the whole chicken over the can of beer with the legs at the bottom, keeping it upright.
- 4
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mix into the top cavity of the chicken.
- 5
Be aware the beer may foam when the seasonings fall into the can.
- 6
Rub the remaining seasoning mix over the entire surface of the chicken.
- 7
Remove the grill grate and push the coals to the sides of the grill.
- 8
Replace the grill grate and set the chicken, standing on the can, over indirect heat.
- 9
Close the lid and cook the chicken until it is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- 10
An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh near the bone should register 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- 11
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest upright for 10 minutes before carefully removing the beer can, slicing, and serving; discard the beer can.
- Calories 578.5 kcal High 29%
- Protein 96.85 g Good Source 194%
- Carbohydrate 19.57 g 7%
- Total Fat 10.97 g Moderate 14%
- Saturated Fat 0.13 g Low Source 1%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 317.91 mg High 106%
- Sodium 853.71 mg High 37%
- Dietary Fiber 3.17 g Moderate 11%
- Total Sugars 16.06 g --
- Added Sugars 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 22.01 mg Low Source 2%
- Iron 1.39 mg Low Source 8%
- Potassium 184.11 mg Low Source 4%
- Vitamin A 2.31 mcg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin C 1.72 mg Low Source 2%
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Mustard
- Alcohol 🚫🍷
About This Recipe
Grilled Beer Can Whole Chicken is made with 8 ingredients and serves 4. It takes about 1 hr 30 mins and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Beer, Black Pepper, Brown Sugar, and Chili Powder. Each serving provides about 578.5 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Grilled Beer-Can Whole Chicken made of?
- The main ingredients are Beer, Black Pepper, Brown Sugar, Chili Powder, Dry Mustard. The full list of 8 is above.
- How long does it take to make Grilled Beer-Can Whole Chicken?
- About 1 hr 30 mins in total: 15 mins to prepare and 1 hr 15 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 578.5 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Grilled Beer-Can Whole Chicken easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 8 ingredients and 11 steps.
- Is Grilled Beer-Can Whole Chicken healthy?
- Grilled Beer-Can Whole Chicken has an easyChef Pro health score of 43/100. Per serving, it provides 578.5 calories and 96.85 g of protein, or 194% of the Daily Value. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 853.71 mg (37% of the Daily Value). It contains Mustard and Alcohol, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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