Golden, tender and packed with smoky flavour, this Beer Can Chicken recipe is an easy way to create an impressive family meal with minimal effort. A simple blend of Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder and chilli flakes creates a rich, flavour-packed coating, while roasting the chicken over a can of beer helps keep the meat wonderfully succulent throughout cooking.

Served with fluffy baked potatoes topped with homemade garlic and chive butter, this comforting recipe is perfect for family dinners, weekend entertaining and relaxed summer dining alike.

Keep scrolling for the full recipe and how to make Beer Can Chicken With Garlic Butter Baked Potatoes.

For the Beer Can Chicken with Garlic Butter Baked Potatoes Recipe:

Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper and season generously inside and out with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder and chilli flakes.
3. Brush the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for even deeper flavour.

   
   

Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan).
2. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork, rub lightly with olive oil and season with sea salt.
3. Place onto a baking tray and transfer to the oven. Depending on their size, the potatoes may need up to 1 hour 30 minutes to become crisp on the outside and fluffy in the centre.

Cook the Chicken

1. Open the can of beer and pour away approximately half of the contents ( or drink it!).
2. Carefully lower the chicken over the beer can so it stands upright. Place onto a roasting tray and transfer to the oven alongside the potatoes.
3. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 75°C and the juices run clear.
4. If the skin begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the top with foil.

Make the Garlic Butter

1. While the chicken is resting, combine the softened butter, crushed garlic, chopped chives and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix until well combined.

Rest and Serve

1. Carefully remove the chicken from the oven and leave to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
2. Split the baked potatoes open and add a generous spoonful of garlic butter to each one, allowing it to melt into the fluffy centre.
3. Serve alongside the carved chicken and a fresh green salad or seasonal vegetables.

• Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps create crisp, golden skin.
• Marinate overnight for a deeper smoky flavour.
• Make the garlic butter up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Bring the garlic butter back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Allow the chicken to rest before carving to keep the meat juicy.
• Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results.
• Place the roasting tray on a lower oven shelf to ensure the chicken has enough height while cooking.

Why cook chicken on a beer can?

As the beer heats up, it creates steam inside the cavity of the chicken, helping to keep the meat moist and tender while it cooks.

What type of beer is best for beer can chicken?

A lager or pale ale works particularly well as it provides subtle flavour without overpowering the seasoning.

Can I use a can of cider instead of beer?

Absolutely. Cider is a great alternative and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the smoky seasoning.

Can I make beer can chicken on a barbecue?

Absolutely. Just ensure your barbecue has enough clearance under the lid for the chicken to stand upright. Cooking beer can chicken on the barbecue also gives it a delicious smoky flavour, creating crispy skin and succulent meat that's perfect for summer dining. Be sure to keep the lid closed during cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The thickest part of the thigh should reach 75°C on a meat thermometer and the juices should run clear.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes. You can season the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to roast.

Can I make the garlic and chive butter in advance?

Yes. The garlic and chive butter can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I use small potatoes instead of jacket potatoes?

Yes. New potatoes or baby potatoes work wonderfully with the garlic butter. Simply roast or boil them until tender, then toss them through the garlic butter before serving.

What should I serve with Beer Can Chicken?

Beer Can Chicken pairs perfectly with baked potatoes, seasonal salads, roasted vegetables, corn on the cob or homemade coleslaw for a complete family meal.