Garlic Butter Beer Can Chicken
Garlic Butter Beer Can Chicken
Rich, savory flavor with juicy, golden perfection
Garlic Butter Beer Can Chicken is one of those recipes that feels indulgent without being complicated. It takes everything great about classic beer can chicken—juicy meat, crisp skin, easy cooking—and layers in rich, buttery garlic flavor that soaks into every bite. This is comfort food straight off the grill, with aromas that pull everyone outside before it’s even done cooking.
If you love garlic and butter (and really, who doesn’t?), this one belongs in your regular backyard rotation.
Why Garlic Butter Makes It Better
Butter helps the skin brown beautifully while locking in moisture, and garlic adds deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with slow-rendered chicken fat. Combined with the beer can method, the result is tender meat and crispy, golden skin with an unmistakable garlic aroma.
It’s simple, but it tastes like you did something special.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
1 can of beer (lager or light beer)
Garlic Butter
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, finely chopped)
How to Make Garlic Butter Beer Can Chicken
1. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.
2. Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry. Brush the garlic butter generously all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin and inside the cavity if possible. Save a little butter for basting later.
3. Prep the Beer Can
Open the beer and pour out about half. Carefully slide the chicken over the can so it stands upright and stable.
4. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to 375°F for indirect heat. Place the chicken over indirect heat, close the lid, and cook for 75–90 minutes.
About halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the remaining garlic butter for extra flavor and color.
5. Rest and Carve
Once the chicken reaches 165°F in the thigh, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
What You’ll Love
Rich garlic butter flavor in every bite
Juicy meat without brining
Crispy, golden skin
This chicken pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Beer Can Chicken is proof that a few simple ingredients can completely change the experience. It’s bold, comforting, and endlessly crowd-pleasing—perfect for family dinners or weekend cookouts.
If you’re building a beer can chicken collection, this one is an absolute must.
