Get ready for Tex-Mex Beer-Can Chicken, a flavorful twist on a grilling classic that’s sure to be the centerpiece of your next barbecue. This recipe infuses the chicken with a spicy, smoky flavor from the inside out, creating juicy, tender meat with a crisp, flavorful skin.
How to Grill Tex-Mex chicken?
Choose a good chicken. A whole, fresh chicken is what you need. Its size should fit your grill while allowing the lid to close.
Grab a can of beer. Any beer works, but for this Tex-Mex version, choose one that complements the spices. Half-full is perfect.
Season generously. Mix Tex-Mex spices—chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a bit of cayenne for heat. Rub this blend all over the chicken, inside and out.
Prepare the beer can. Open it, pour out (or drink) half, and then punch a few more holes in the top. This helps the steam escape, flavoring the chicken.
Sit the chicken on the can. Carefully lower the chicken onto the beer can so it stands upright. The legs and can form a tripod, keeping it stable.
Heat the grill. Aim for indirect heat. If you’re using a gas grill, turn off the center burner later. For charcoal, push the coals to the sides. The goal is to cook the chicken through without burning the outside.
Place the chicken on the grill. Set it upright, using the can and legs for support. Close the lid for a slow roast.
Keep an eye on it. Cooking takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, but check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Let it rest. Once done, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before removing it from the can. This step locks in the juices.
Carve and serve. Your Tex-Mex Beer-Can Chicken is ready to impress. The skin should be crisp and the meat, infused with spicy, smoky flavors, falling-off-the-bone tender.
Tex-Mex Beer-Can Chicken combines the fun of grilling with the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s a surefire way to spice up your meal and bring everyone together. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get grilling!
Tex-Mex Beer-Can Chicken
Equipment
- Grill
- Large roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken approximately 4-5 pounds
- 1 can of beer
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
- Open the can of beer and take a few sips to make room for the chicken.
- Place the beer can in the middle of a roasting pan.
- Carefully lower the chicken onto the beer can, with the can inserted into the cavity.
- Move the chicken and can onto the grill, making sure it is stable on the can.
- Close the grill and cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the grill using tongs and place it on a cutting board.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before removing it from the can and carving it into serving pieces.
- Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the chicken.
- Enjoy your Tex-Mex Beer-Can Chicken!