Best Beer For Beer Can Chicken – Best Beers to Use in 2023

Listen up, folks! We’re about to dive into the world of the best beer for beer can chicken. Now, you might be thinking, “What’s the big deal? It’s just chicken and beer.” But let me tell you, it’s so much more than that. It’s a culinary adventure, a gastronomic journey that’s going to blow your taste buds out of the water. When it comes to grilling, the beer you choose is key. That’s right, the type of beer you use is crucial. It’s not just about getting a buzz while you grill, it’s about infusing your chicken with flavors that are going to make your guests beg for more. The best beer can enhance the flavor and take your dish to new heights.

Now, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of beer can chicken. This isn’t some contemporary trend, but rather a time-honored tradition that’s been around for ages, much like the brewing of the best beer. Its popularity isn’t merely because it’s a fun party trick—although let’s be honest, there’s something fairly entertaining about placing a beer can in a chicken in such a unique way. The real reason this method has withstood the test of time is that it delivers results – juicy, flavorful chicken with the taste of beer, a combination that’s hard to beat. Of course, don’t forget to add beer bread—it’s a great combination when paired with chicken. Check here for the best beer for beer bread.

Moving on, things start to get interesting. There’s an ongoing debate about whether the beer, especially when it’s the best beer chosen, actually infuses the chicken with its flavor. Some folks swear by it, while others dismiss it as a myth. The truth likely falls somewhere in between. The beer doesn’t necessarily impart its flavor directly to the chicken, but it does contribute to keeping the chicken moist and tender.

And, it’s crucial not to forget about the safety aspect. You must be cautious when handling hot beer cans and raw chicken during the cooking process. The heat from the cooking process makes the beer can extremely hot, posing a risk of burns. Handling raw chicken must always be done with care due to potential bacterial contamination.

Now, let’s get down to business. What types of beer are suitable for beer can chicken? Well, the answer is simple – it depends on your taste. But let me give you a few suggestions.

Lager beers are a great choice. They’re light, crisp, and have a subtle flavor that won’t overpower your chicken. Some popular lagers include Coors Light, Budweiser, and Heineken.

If you’re a fan of darker beers, you might want to consider a porter or a stout. These beers have a rich, robust flavor that can add a unique twist to your Beer Can Chicken. Some popular options include Founders Porter, Deschutes Black Butte Porter, and Guinness Draught beer.

And let’s not forget about pale ales and IPAs. These beers are hoppy and bitter, which can add a nice contrast to the rich flavor of the chicken. Some popular options include Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Bass Pale Ale, and Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA.

Cooking a whole chicken on the grill in a beer can is a delectable and simple method. Which beer should you use, though? Which is the best beer for beer can chicken? The top 5 beers for beer can chicken are shown below.

Budweiser, often referred to as the “King of Beers,” has a smooth and slightly sweet taste. It’s brewed at the top of its game with a blend of premium hop varieties, malt, rice, and water. This beer’s light-bodied profile and clean finish could enhance the top flavors of the chicken, bringing out its natural goodness without overpowering them. Beer and chicken, especially a top choice like Budweiser, can indeed create a delightful culinary experience.

Now, let’s talk about the grand beer can chicken finale – the moment of truth. You’ve been patient, you’ve been diligent, and now it’s time to see if all that hard work has paid off. But before you dive in, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished. Look at that golden-brown skin, listen to the crackle as you carve into it, and smell the intoxicating aroma of chicken and beer, wafting up from the plate. This is your masterpiece, your symphony of flavors infused with the best beer. And the best part? You get to taste it.

But wait, don’t rush. Take your time. Savor the moment. Cut a small piece, place it in your mouth, and close your eyes. Feel the juicy tenderness of the chicken, taste the subtle notes of the beer, the smoky hint of the paprika, and the sharp bite of the garlic. It’s a symphony of flavors, a dance of textures all harmonized by the beer can chicken method. And it’s all yours.

And as you sit there, savoring your creation, remember this feeling. This is why we cook. Not just to feed our bodies, but to feed our souls. To create something out of nothing, to bring joy to ourselves and others. So, here’s to you, my friend. You’ve done it. You’ve selected your beers, followed the process, and created something truly special with beer can chicken. Cheers!

First off, let’s discuss high-alcohol beers. Beers such as barley wines, tripels, and some imperial stouts can have an alcohol content of 9% or more. Although these beers may be delightful to sip, they might not be the best beer for beer can chicken. The high alcohol content could potentially dry out the chicken rather than maintain its moisture. Furthermore, the intense flavors might overshadow the chicken rather than complement it.

Next, heavily spiced or flavored beers. These beers, like pumpkin ales or chili beers, can have very strong flavors. While these can be interesting to drink, they might not work well with the flavors of the chicken. You want the beer to enhance the chicken’s flavor, not compete with it.

Lastly, and this is a short but important point – avoid beers that you don’t enjoy drinking. The beer is going to be in contact with the chicken for a while, so it’s going to impart some of its flavors. If you don’t like the taste of the beer, you probably won’t like the taste it gives to the chicken.

Remember, these are just guidelines. The most important thing is to use a beer that you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. After all, cooking is all about creativity and personal expression. So go forth and have fun.

So, you’ve tried beer can chicken with various beers, and it wasn’t quite your thing? No problem at all! The world of cooking is vast and full of delicious alternatives. Let’s explore some other options that might tickle your taste buds.

First, consider the type of poultry you’re using. Chicken is a classic choice, but it’s not the only bird on the block. You might find that you prefer the rich, gamey flavor of duck, the lean, mild flavor of turkey, or the tender, juicy meat of Cornish hens. Each of these can be prepared in a similar manner to beer can chicken but will provide a different flavor profile depending on the type of beer used.

Next, think about the cooking method. Beer can chicken is traditionally grilled with beer, but there are plenty of other ways to cook poultry. You could roast it in the oven, braise it in a flavorful liquid (like beer), or even smoke it for a deep, smoky flavor. Each method, whether you involve beers or not, will give your poultry a unique texture and flavor.

Here are a few alternative methods you could try:

• Oven Roasting: This method is simple and straightforward, and it allows you to control the temperature precisely, ensuring your poultry is cooked to perfection.
  
• Braising: This involves searing the poultry, then cooking it slowly in a small amount of liquid. This method is great for tougher birds like duck, as it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
  
• Smoking: This method takes a bit more time and equipment, but the result is worth it. Smoking gives your poultry a deep, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat.

Lastly, don’t forget about the seasoning. If you didn’t love the flavor of your Beer Can Chicken, it might be worth experimenting with different seasonings. There are countless spice blends and marinades out there, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and discovering what you enjoy. So, if beer can chicken didn’t appeal to you, don’t fret. Maybe you haven’t found the best beer for beer can chicken yet. There are plenty of other delightful beer options out there waiting for you to uncover. Happy cooking!