Beer Can Chicken with Cola Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Beer Can Chicken with Cola Barbecue Sauce Recipe is a barbecue style dish made by roasting a whole chicken over an open beer can while brushing a sweet cola based sauce. I made this Beer Can Chicken with Cola Barbecue Sauce Recipe because backyard grilling has always been part of my cooking journey. I have years of hands on experience preparing beer can chicken for family gatherings.
Equipment
- Outdoor grill or oven
- Beer can chicken holder (optional but helpful)
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Sharp knife & cutting board
Ingredients
For The Beer Can Chicken
- 1 whole chicken approximately 1,800 g / 4 lb
- 1 standard can beer
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher or sea salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp hickory salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp celery seeds
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp basic barbecue dry rub
- 2 cups cola barbecue sauce
For The Cola Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup cola
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 3 tbsp steak sauce
- 1 tsp dried onion flakes
- 1 tsp dried garlic flakes
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Get The Chicken Ready
- Take the giblets out of the chicken and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Drizzle a little olive oil over the bird and rub it all over so the skin is lightly coated.
Step 2: Season It Well
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, hickory salt, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, celery seeds, cayenne, and barbecue rub. Massage the seasoning all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin where you can for extra flavor.
Step 3: Set Up The Beer Can
- Open a can of beer and pour out (or drink) about half of it. Carefully slide the chicken down onto the can so it stands upright, nice and steady.
Step 4: Make The Cola Barbecue Sauce
- Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the cola, barbecue sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, liquid smoke, steak sauce, onion flakes, garlic flakes, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Cook The Chicken
- Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). Set the chicken upright over indirect heat. Cook for about 75 minutes, brushing it with the cola barbecue sauce during the last 20 minutes. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Rest And Serve
- Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Carefully remove the beer can, carve the chicken, and serve with extra cola barbecue sauce on the side.
Notes
Note: For best results, ensure the chicken is well balanced on the beer can to prevent tipping. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Allow proper resting time to keep the chicken juicy and flavourful.