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Smoked beer can chicken in a casserole dish with parsley placed on top for garnish.

Smoked Beer Can Chicken on a Pit Boss, Traeger or Other Pellet Grill

Crispy skin with tender and juicy insides, this smoked beer can chicken is EASY with four simple ingredients! Set it and forget it on your pellet grill.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 169 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 pellet grill
  • 1 Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole 7-8lb chicken Smaller is totally fine!
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 tbsp poultry rub
  • 1 can beer or liquid of choice

Instructions
 

  • Turn on your Pit Boss, Traeger, or other pellet grill. Set the temperature to 350°F.
  • Rinse the chicken and remove any giblets or organs. Pat it dry with paper towel.
  • Brush the chicken with olive oil and spread the rub all over including inside of the cavity.
  • Place the beer can half full in the middle of a small baking sheet (to catch the grease and other liquids) and carefully stand the seasoned chicken up overtop of the beer can.
  • Place it on your preheated pellet grill and insert the meat probe/thermometer in the thickest part of the bird and cook until your chicken reaches 165°F. If you are cooking an 8 lb chicken, budget yourself around 2 hours. 4lb chickens will cook considerably faster and need to be checked at the 1 hour mark.
  • Remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes.
  • Tip the chicken onto its side and carefully remove the beer can (some of the beer will spill. Transfer your chicken to a cutting board and carve it as usual. Drizzle with Homemade Smoked Chicken Gravy if you desire.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Keyword beer can chicken, pellet grill, pit boss, smoked chicken, traeger