Name: Hard Cider Smoked Beer Can Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 370 min
Ingredients: 1 whole roaster chicken (roughly 4-5 lbs); 1 pkt chicken marinade (prepared according to the package directions); 1 12 fluid oz can hard apple cider

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.Hard cider smoked beer can chicken gives the grill a rest and gets the smoker back in action to make the best chicken we’ve ever had. Every bite is infused with sweet, smoky goodness that makes it a darn good dinner and perfect for a crowd at barbecues and game days.

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Virginia summers go from hot to devil’s inferno real fast.

When it gets too steamy to think straight, I don’t want to cook on my stove or in my oven and my hubs can’t stand to fire up the grill and stand near the extra heat.

So we end up using our smoker a lot.

One of the best things we’ve ever smoked is definitely this chicken.

Ingredients

You only need three ingredients for this beer can chicken:

Chicken– A 4-5 pound whole roaster.
Chicken Marinade–The kind that comes in a packet. Prepare it according to the directions on the package.
Hard apple cider– A 12 ounce can of your favorite kind. We like Bold Rock, a native Virginia Brand, but you can use whatever variety you prefer.

How to Make

This is so easy to make!

Just, prep the bird by removing all the innards.

Then, rinse the chicken thoroughly, and pat it dry.

Once it’s rinsed and dried, rub the bird down with the prepared marinade.

Pop the top on your can of beer, and pour 1/4 – 1/2 of the hard cider out.

Then set the beer into a beer can stand.

Place the stand in a disposable aluminum pans.

Put the bird’s cavity over the beer can until the chicken rests firmly on the base.

Carefully place the pan in a smoker preheated to 225 degrees.

Smoke the chicken for 5-6 hours, or until a meat probe inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the chicken from the smoker, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy!

How long does it take to smoke beer can chicken?

It depends on the size of the bird.

You need to smoke it until it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the bird.

How do you get beer can chicken to stand up?

You can use a beer can stand to help with this.

How to Insert the Beer Can

To insert the beer can for maximum stability, hold the bird upright, with the opening of the body cavity at the bottom.

Then, lower the bird onto the can so the cavity fits over the can.

You can arrange the chicken legs to make a tripod of sorts so the bird stays upright.

Can This Be Made Without A Special Beer Can Stand?

Yes, tripoding the chicken legs will help.

It also helps to leave more beer in the can so that it’s a sturdier pedestal.

Lastly, cider cans are also usually taller than a standard beer can making them easier to work with.

Can You Smoke More Than One Chicken At A Time?

Yes!

I tend to do two at a time, because it feeds a crowd and on a normal night makes a dinner for that evening and delicious chicken to use in a variety of ways for other meals.

To do it, simply add both chickens to a 9×13″ aluminum pan.

You may want to stack 3-4 pans together to create a sturdier pan that’s easier to lift in and out of the smoker.

What kind of wood should I use to smoke beer can chicken?

I recommend a blend of hickory and apple wood chips.

Storing Leftovers

This makes excellent leftovers that you can use in so many other meals.

To store leftovers, transfer the chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days.

Tips and Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken very liberally with the rub.
Use your favorite chicken rub.
This recipe would also work with beer instead of hard cider.

Other Smoker Recipes

Hard cider smoked beer can chicken is one of our favorite ways to enjoy smoked food. Make it this weekend and enjoy!

Looking for other smoker recipes? Try these:

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