How To Smoke Beer Can Chicken On A Pellet Smoker

Get Ready to Smoke Beer Can Chicken on a Pellet Smoker

Smoking beer can chicken on a pellet smoker is a delicious and fun way to cook a whole chicken. The process infuses the meat with smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender. If you’re new to smoking, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the steps to create a mouthwatering beer can chicken on your pellet smoker.

Ingredients and Equipment

Before you get started, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment:

• Whole chicken
• Beer can chicken rub or your favorite seasoning blend
• 1 can of beer
• Pellet smoker
• Wood pellets (hickory, apple, or cherry work well with chicken)
• Meat thermometer

Preparing the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. Remove any giblets from the cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Next, apply a generous amount of beer can chicken rub or your chosen seasoning blend to the entire bird, including the cavity. This will add flavor to the meat and help create a delicious crust as it cooks.

Setting Up the Smoker

Preheat your pellet smoker to 250-275°F (121-135°C). While the smoker is heating up, open the can of beer and take a few sips (or pour out about a quarter of the beer) to make room for the chicken. The remaining beer will steam from the inside, keeping the chicken moist while it cooks.

Smoking the Chicken

Once the smoker is preheated, it’s time to smoke the chicken. Carefully lower the chicken onto the beer can, inserting the can into the cavity. The chicken should stand upright with the help of the beer can and its legs. Place the chicken on the smoker grate and close the lid.

Smoke the chicken for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Rest and Serve

Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the smoker. Use tongs to grip the beer can and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing the beer can. Carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious and flavorful meal.

Final Thoughts

Smoking beer can chicken on a pellet smoker is a fantastic way to enjoy tender and juicy chicken with a hint of smoky flavor. With the right ingredients, equipment, and a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. So, fire up your pellet smoker and get ready to savor the deliciousness of beer can chicken!