Introduction

For years I’ve been looking for a way to make beer can chicken in my slow cooker, and I finally found out how: simply cook it on low for about four hours with a can of beer in the cavity.

You might want to use two cans if you want more flavor or plan on serving a lot of people.

Prepare the chicken.

To cook a beer can chicken, you need to prepare the chicken. Remove the giblets from the cavity and pat dry with paper towels.

Next, remove the can of beer from its package and pour out 1/3 cup of beer into another container–you’ll use this later as basting liquid. The technique works best when there’s no liquid left in either end of your bird (otherwise it might leak out when cooking).

Place the chicken on a cutting board, and remove the giblets from the cavity.

First, remove the giblets from the cavity. This includes things like organs, heart and lungs. Set them aside for later use if desired (they make a great gravy). Wash hands with soap and water after handling raw poultry or meat.

If you’re unsure what to do next, ask an adult for help!

Stuff the bird with citrus fruit and herbs, if desired.

You can stuff the bird with citrus fruit and herbs, if desired.

• Use fresh herbs if you’re going for a lighter flavor profile; dried herbs are better for stronger flavors. Try lemon, orange or lime; rosemary, thyme or sage; garlic cloves (or onion slices); leeks — whatever you like!

Rub seasonings into the bird’s skin.

Rub seasonings into the bird’s skin. Seasonings can be rubbed in with your hands, or with a brush. A pastry brush works well for this task because it has short bristles that will help to evenly distribute the seasoning on the chicken’s skin.

Remove the can of beer from its package, and pour out 1/3 cup of beer.

When you’re ready to pour out the beer, do so slowly. You want to avoid spilling any of it on your countertops or flooring because it will stain. Also, try not to tip the can over too much so as not to spill any of its contents in an odd direction–you don’t want a mess on your hands!

Hold the chicken upright and carefully insert the can up to about 2 inches into the cavity of each side of the chicken so that there is an inch or two left exposed at the top of each side. Move slowly and hold firmly to keep from pushing too much beer out through the top as you wedge in your hand. (If you are doing this for children or guests who are hesitant about handling raw poultry, put two aluminum foil pie plates on either side of a cooking rack set over a baking sheet or roasting pan. Put some stuffing or other goodies in each bowl and place chicken on top.)

• Hold the chicken upright and carefully insert the can up to about 2 inches into the cavity of each side of the chicken so that there is an inch or two left exposed at the top of each side. Move slowly and hold firmly to keep from pushing too much beer out through the top as you wedge in your hand. (If you are doing this for children or guests who are hesitant about handling raw poultry, put two aluminum foil pie plates on either side of a cooking rack set over a baking sheet or roasting pan. Put some stuffing or other goodies in each bowl and place chicken on top.)
• Use a knife to cut open both ends of your beer can(s). Then use one hand to hold onto those edges while using another hand with a butter knife (or any long-handled utensil) to pry out whatever remains inside–which should be just enough liquidy foam not to spill all over yourself when pouring it into your oven dish later on!

Conclusion

Overall, the beer can chicken is a great way to cook your poultry. It has a nice flavor and crispy skin that will make any dinner table feel special. I hope this article helped you understand how long it takes to cook beer can chicken!