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Beer-Can Chicken

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This classic beer-can chicken is a fantastic way to achieve incredibly moist and succulent results on the barbecue. By steaming the bird from the inside with light lager while the outside roasts over an indirect heat, you ensure the meat remains tender and juicy. This cooking method also allows excess fat to render away into the drip pan, making it a lighter, more wholesome alternative to a traditional Sunday roast.

As a diabetes-friendly main course, this dish focuses on high-quality protein and vibrant spices rather than sugary glazes. It is a wonderful centrepiece for summer gatherings or a relaxed weekend lunch. Serve your carved chicken alongside a crisp green salad or roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a balanced, low-carb meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients for Beer-Can Chicken

  • 1 can light lager

  • 1 3 1/2- to 1.8kg chicken

  • 2 tablespoons 4-3-2-1 Spice Rub

  • A foil baking pan (for drip pan)

How to make Beer-Can Chicken

Pour out (or drink) half of beer.

Prepare grill for high, indirect heat and fit with grill pan (for a charcoal grill, bank coals on 1 side of grill and put drip pan on empty side; for a gas grill, leave 1 burner turned off and place drip pan over unlit burner). Add water to pan to a depth of 1/2".

Season chicken with 4-3-2-1 Spice Rub. Place cavity of chicken, legs pointing down, onto open can so that it supports chicken upright. Place can, with chicken, on grill over indirect heat (and above drip pan). Grill chicken, covered, until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 74°C, 45-60 minutes. (If using charcoal, you may need to add more to maintain heat.) Let chicken rest 10 minutes before carving. Serve with pan drippings.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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