Smoke and Suds: A Guide to Making the Perfect Beer Can Chicken Smoker

Beer can chicken is a favorite among many grill masters and BBQ enthusiasts. But what if we told you that you can kick it up a notch and make the perfect beer can chicken smoker right in your backyard? That’s right! By using a smoker, you can enhance the flavor and tenderness of your beer can chicken. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect beer can chicken smoker step-by-step.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Smoker

When it comes to smokers, there are a variety of options to choose from. You can use a charcoal smoker, electric smoker, gas smoker, or wood smoker. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, for this guide, we will focus on the charcoal smoker.

Step 2: Preparing the Smoker

Before you start smoking your beer can chicken, you need to prepare the smoker. Here’s how:

1. Remove any leftover ash or debris from the smoker.
2. Pour in enough charcoal into the smoker’s firebox.
3. Light the charcoal and allow it to heat up for about 20 minutes.
4. Once the coals have turned white, spread them evenly in the smoker and place a small amount of smoking wood on top. This will give your beer can chicken that smoky flavor you crave.

Step 3: Preparing the Chicken

Now that your smoker is ready, let’s move on to the chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 whole chicken
• 1 can of beer
• Seasoning of your choice

Here’s how to prepare your chicken:

1. Clean your whole chicken thoroughly and pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. Rub your favorite seasoning all over the chicken.
3. Open a can of beer and take a few sips to make some room.
4. Place the can of beer on a sturdy surface and insert the chicken into the can so that the can is in the cavity of the chicken and the chicken is standing upright.
5. Place the chicken on the smoker’s racks.
6. Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165℉. This should take about 2-3 hours depending on the size of the chicken.

Step 4: Adding the Suds

Now comes the fun part – adding the suds! About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, you can begin adding beer to the pan. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Remove the chicken from the smoker.
2. Using a can opener, create a few more holes at the top of the beer can to allow the liquid to come out.
3. Pour a small amount of beer into the pan and place the chicken back on the smoker’s racks.
4. Repeat this process every 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What kind of beer should I use?

A: You can use any type of beer you like, but some people prefer using lighter beers like lagers or pilsners.

Q: Do I need to use a can of beer?

A: No, you can use a can or any other sturdy object that will hold the chicken upright.

Q: Can I use a gas or electric smoker instead?

A: Yes, you can use any type of smoker. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

A: The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165℉.

In conclusion, smoking your beer can chicken is a great way to take your grilling to the next level. By following this guide, you can make the perfect beer can chicken smoker right in your backyard. So go ahead and impress your friends and family at your next BBQ with your new found smoking skills!