Campfire-Style Beer Can Chicken

Campfire-Style Beer Can Chicken

Rustic, smoky, and made for open flames and fresh air

Campfire-Style Beer Can Chicken is all about stripping cooking back to its roots. No fancy gear, no overthinking—just a whole chicken, a can of beer, and steady heat from an open fire or grill. The result is deeply flavorful, juicy chicken with lightly crisp skin and that unmistakable outdoor, fire-kissed taste you can only get when cooking outside.

This is the kind of meal that feels earned. It smells incredible, cooks slow and steady, and tastes even better eaten outdoors.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)

• 1 can of beer (lager or light beer)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Simple Campfire Rub

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra fire flavor)

How to Make Campfire-Style Beer Can Chicken

1. Build the Fire

Start a campfire or charcoal grill and let it burn down until you have steady, glowing coals. You want indirect heat, not tall flames. A grill grate or fire ring works best.

2. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and rub it all over with olive oil or melted butter. Mix the rub ingredients together and season the chicken generously on all sides, including inside the cavity.

3. Prep the Beer Can

Open the beer and pour out about half. Carefully slide the chicken down over the can so it stands upright and balanced.

4. Cook Over Indirect Heat

Place the chicken on the grill grate or campfire rack away from direct flames. Cover loosely with a lid, foil tent, or campfire cover if available.

Cook for 75–90 minutes, maintaining steady heat. Rotate the chicken occasionally if needed, but avoid moving it too much.

5. Check Doneness and Rest

The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F in the thigh. Remove carefully and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.

Why This Campfire Version Works

• Juicy meat thanks to the beer can method

• Natural smoke and fire-kissed flavor

• Minimal tools, maximum payoff

Serve it straight from the cutting board with campfire beans, skillet corn, or crusty bread.

Final Thoughts

Campfire-Style Beer Can Chicken is simple, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic. It’s the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into outdoor weekends, road trips, and nights spent around the fire. No distractions—just good food, good heat, and time well spent.

If you love cooking outside, this one belongs in your campfire rotation.