How to Make the Best Beer Can Chicken on Your Traeger Grill

The Traeger Beer Can Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful method for cooking moist and tender chicken. The recipe involves seasoning a whole chicken with Traeger Chicken Rub, placing it on a can of beer, and roasting it over mesquite hardwood pellets using a Traeger grill.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (5 pounds)
• Traeger Chicken Rub (as needed)
• 1 can of beer

Steps:

1. Preparation:

   • Tuck the wing tips back and truss the chicken legs together.
   • Generously season the chicken, including the cavity, with Traeger Chicken Rub.
   • Open the can of beer and place the chicken over it, ensuring all but the bottom 1-1/2 inches of the beer can is inside the chicken’s cavity.

2. Cooking:

   • Preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F (175°C) with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
   • Place the chicken on a sheet tray and then directly on the grill grate.
   • Cook for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (75°C).

3. Serving:

   • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.
   • Serve and enjoy.

Additional Information:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Recommended Pellets: Mesquite
• Serving Size: Serves 4

Your Grilled Chicken Experience with Beer Can Chicken

The art of grilling has evolved beyond simple barbecues to include creative techniques that infuse rich flavors into your dishes. One such innovative method is the Beer Can Chicken, a delightful way to achieve moist, tender, and flavorful chicken. Using a Traeger grill and mesquite wood pellets elevates this dish to new heights. Here's how you can master this recipe and impress your guests.

The Secret to Moist and Flavorful Chicken: Beer Can Chicken is not just a quirky cooking method; it serves a functional purpose. The beer steams the chicken from the inside, ensuring that the meat remains juicy while the exterior crisps up beautifully. This method works wonders, especially when combined with the robust flavors of mesquite wood smoke.

Ingredients and Preparation: To start, you need a whole chicken, Traeger Chicken Rub, and a can of your favorite beer. Truss the chicken legs and tuck the wing tips to ensure even cooking. Generously apply the Chicken Rub all over the chicken, including the cavity, to maximize flavor.

The Grilling Process: Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F. This temperature is ideal for slowly rendering the fat while achieving a crispy skin. Place the chicken on a can of beer so that the steam can infuse the meat. Grill the chicken directly on the grate for about 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.

Serving and Enjoying: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent. Carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides. The combination of the smoky mesquite flavor and the beer's subtle notes will make this dish a standout.

Conclusion:

Beer Can Chicken is more than a novelty; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients and techniques can create an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice, this recipe is sure to impress and delight. So fire up your Traeger grill, crack open a beer, and enjoy the delicious journey of making Beer Can Chicken.