Beer Can Chickens - we tested 4 different flavors

[@roger80465]

I have read numerous 'scientific' reviews about beer butt chicken and they all agreed that the beer does nothing but add a little moisture. The main reason was that the liquid never reached the temperature necessary to impart flavor from steam. Your test really confirms that theory. Thanks for doing this.

[@PelletsandPits]

Thank you for commenting...

[@toymachine2328]

Hmm... So how about something with a higher alcohol percentage that would evaporate at a lower temperature? Some 33% (66 proof) Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, or 101 proof Wild Turkey? Might want to be cautious about going too strong, and starting a flammable liquid on fire, boiling over, etc.

[@Mac4Life305]

I agree 100%. I have done many a beer chickens and I can never tell a difference between the beer. I feel the beer just helps keep it moist and tender without spatchcocking or frogging the chicken. One thing I have never tried was cooking a chicken in an empty beer can compared to one full of beer. (Maybe something you can try)

[@Wi11duhbea5t]

My wife and I use 100% apple juice and we seen to taste it better then using beer might want to test out different juices

[@mschmidt3108]

I am a big fan of spatchcock chicken. Instead of putting them on my grates, I put them on a flat pan with sliced onion (sometimes a little apple, lemon, or carrots, also, depending on the flavors I want). The juices from the chicken stay in the pan and the onions/other veggies cook down. Delicious for dipping and a heck of a good start toward a soup stock.

[@PelletsandPits]

Absolutely....spot on...

[@SkinnerFarms]

Just joined from the other channel thanks for all the great ideas and cooks!

[@PelletsandPits]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jayroser9876]

I always thought that beer can chicken was just about the moisture rather than the flavor. It's all about the seasonings you put on it. Still looks good 👍

[@rafaelsmith681]

Gratz on new channel. Not surprised at the results. After trying about 3 times I gave up on beer can chicken...it adds nothing...except perhaps a way to keep the chicken upright in the smoker :) Its just a Gimmick. The purpose of beer is to have something to drink while smoking chicken normal style. :) Im hoping to one day see your take on hot & fast babyback ribs. I have been doing that lately and been very pleased.

[@PelletsandPits]

First comment perfectly said... Definitely down on the hot and fast ribs...any pointers...

[@blueenglishstaffybreeder6956]

Have always thought there’s no point to it other than it looks good, all I do differently is cut a lemon in half and give the chicken a lemon hat so some of the juices run down the skin, I also thinly slice the lemon and put it under the skin which makes the perfect subtle lemon chicken

[@KWeston1123]

Yay! Great to see the new channel. Excited to see new recipes to try!

[@PelletsandPits]

Yay! Thank you for all your continued support

[@KWeston1123]

@@PelletsandPits, I just get such a kick out of watching your videos! Your expressions, Amy’s commentary, references to your military service and the passion for cooking right there up front, all make for a fun watch.

[@yambor44]

Coors light.....or because it was the shorter can.... Nice video.

[@BigPeter1313]

Great idea!! Spatchcock vs. frog-style chicken/turkey on the smoker. I saw one with a turkey and they stuffed a full pound of butter under the breast skin. I'm sure an injection would help as well.

[@lancedean5987]

That Redd’s Wicked Apple is awesome to drink!

[@ChrisBQue]

Thanks. This helps, I will keep Spatchcocking my Chicken. 🐔

[@PelletsandPits]

Absolutely...

[@twiggerdug33]

This is gonna be a fun channel to grow with. Ive had a Green Mountain Grill for years now and i love it!!! Also take a look at “Don Godke’s downdraft” when you have time.

[@PelletsandPits]

I will...thanks

[@randybichsel4244]

Nice video I like Oklahoma Joes Hog Rub and Yard bird seasoning good stuff

[@PelletsandPits]

Thanks 👍

[@smokingtarheel3003]

Love the new channel and these kinds of videos. Congrats on the Lone Star smoker.

[@PelletsandPits]

Hey I appreciate that..

[@frankmarullo228]

Thank you Neil and Amy , I just subscribed to the new channel.. You guys are going places !!!! THANK you Frank from montana....

[@PelletsandPits]

Welcome aboard Frank....thank you

[@charlesweston3295]

Great to find this new channel. I’m using a Weber SmokeFire EX6. It’s working for me, no problems. I’m smoking a Turkey and checking out video.

[@PelletsandPits]

Heck yeah...great unit...

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great job Neil and Amy. Question, what if you leave the can full of the beer or soda and then remove the chicken and beer can carefully to a big sink to remove the beer/soda can from the chicken after smoking the chicken. The moisture inside the chicken in the can helps cook the bird better and season it too MAYBE?? That's worked for me and never left a beer taste or soda taste. I also add seasoning to the liquid to help with the seasoning. Love the layout of your new channel and know it will be another success for you folks. One of your old channels popped up a few days ago and I found it enjoyable too, always enjoy watching you two prepare meals. Could you list your past channels so we could walk down memory lane with you folks?Stay safe and good luck with your talents. Fred.

[@PelletsandPits]

Thanks Fred...the old channel is actually the same as the ftk...we just naturally transitioned over....it was never a new channel...just name switch...this on the other hand is completely separate...

[@BeerforBreakfastFactsforSnacks]

Wow. Lots of subscribers already. Took me 3 years to get to were I am. I'm always reviewing beers so this is right up my alley and will definitely give the winner a shot. Cheers. BREW out

[@PelletsandPits]

Crazy thing is ...i NEVER drink beer..hhahaha not my favorite. Crazy thing is I enjoyed the apple cider beer but thats about it...im a bourbon/whiskey guy...Cheers to your channel I will need to check out...

[@BeerforBreakfastFactsforSnacks]

@@PelletsandPits cheers

[@user-eb9ig8wb3o]

I’m a beer can fan but I’ve heard conflicting views as to whether or not to plug the neck to retain internal moisture

[@PelletsandPits]

Honestly we just couldn't tell the difference ...we both agree that we produce better chicken without this method...but...to each there own....cheers

[@SinisterMD]

No such thing as a shameless plug. Your channel(s) so you mention your own hard work all you want. Haven't done a beer can chicken in probably 10 years since I had an old starter gas grill but now that I have a smoker I clearly need to do it again. Thanks for the different beer comparison. Interesting to see it didn't make much difference.

[@PelletsandPits]

Is it crazy to think a wet beer brine???

[@brunoloiselle2710]

Ha Ha, if your can is too tall, just drink 4 of the shorter cans till empty and refill with the taller can. That makes for a great day, lol

[@PelletsandPits]

ahhahahaa

[@mattf9096]

You'd get more flavor by making the beer a component of your brine or marinade. I feel like a stout would be more suited for beef than chicken though. For chicken I might experiment with a saison style beer since they can have both a tart and peppery flavor at the same time...... yeah I might just try that myself soon lol

[@PelletsandPits]

Hey if you do ...please report back...would love to hear if its actually worth it...

[@mattf9096]

@@PelletsandPits It should work IMO. The typical flavor notes are lemon, pepper and coriander. If you end up trying it before I do pick up an import like Saison Dupont. American versions typically aren't as flavorful as their Belgian counterparts.

[@richardwest2505]

Love the new channel i had thought of doing a channel like this myself but my wife said i need to find a camera man😂 anyway ive had many beercan chickens in my life and never once could i ever taste anything but chicken. I do want to try the spatchcock chicken 1 of these days.

[@SausageKramp]

I've done a similar compare where I used a high alcohol, super hoppy beast of a beer and used a diet coke can that I rinsed and filled with water. Me and my wife and kids could not tell any difference at all and I was mad because I wasted a damn good beer for nothing! lol I dig your vids, keep doing what you do.

[@PelletsandPits]

Yeah that experiment seems legit...better than mine..hahahah thanks for commenting...

[@hellbilly1967]

nothing like a cold beer to start the day..CHEERS.

[@PelletsandPits]

I completely agree...maybe not that combo though hahahah

[@bradcampbell624]

I wouldn't call it a waste of time or beer since it is still fun to do, and looks great for presentation. However, I have had better flavoring using a bundt pan, with diced potatoes and green chiles in the reservoir. Just remember to cover the hole with foil before impaling the bird...

[@bradcampbell624]

I would like to brine one in either whiskey sour or mojito tho....

[@PelletsandPits]

True...very true..

[@masterlee4370]

True Story! This video reminds me of this tale I heard when the beer can chicken craze took off. There was these 4 chickens who took part in an experiment just like this one. There names were Amy, Jason, Neal, and Leroy. Initially they all thought about how great it would be to be a part of this in the beginning as they all knew it would become a fan favorite of many. So the cook preps them all, seasoning them with numerous spices , even a blend of his own that was becoming quite popular. They were all so happy, well until they realized what they were sitting on was not beer. Amy was put on a dark beer that she felt Leroy should be on. Jason was put on a lemonade beer and he did not like sour stuff. Neal was put on an apple beer and he was mad because he did not like apples. But Leroy was the maddest because he was put on this silver can that tried to call itself beer, but Leroy had no clue what it was. Of course when the cook checked the temperatures Leroy was 20 degrees cooler. The others asked him how he could do that. He just said it was all he could do to not overcook as he sat on that silver can. Moral of the story if you are going to do a beer can chicken there is only one true beer The greatest beer in all the land! Great Video PS: Congratulations on your new site!

[@PelletsandPits]

hhahahahaha Thank very much....

[@bobbicatton]

If the flavor doesn't come through, I wonder if the beer even make a difference in moisture? Interesting experiment. 👍😊

[@BeerforBreakfastFactsforSnacks]

New subscriber. Cheers

[@PelletsandPits]

TY bud...cheers

[@griddlecookeatandmore]

I agree it doesn't matter what you use you will not be able to tell one apart from the next. The Lone Star did a nice job.

[@PelletsandPits]

Yeah...impressed so far...the heat retention and fire board are the real deal

[@tycoons8734]

what about beer brine chicken? The appple and lemon.

[@PelletsandPits]

Im definitely a BRINE fan for sure...we have tried this on Turkeys as well..we have a video..i swear by brines

[@kokicubano]

Keep that LSG working

[@PelletsandPits]

Always

[@praetorxyn]

Spatchcock, dry brine overnight for me. I usually just buy chicken thighs though, as that's the best part anyway.

[@PelletsandPits]

Good call! NIce to see ya over here..i know you have a ton of grills...

[@praetorxyn]

@@PelletsandPits I’ve only got 3: a Weber kettle with a Slow N Sear, the SnS Kamado with a Slow N Sear, and a Pit Boss 5 Burner Ultimate flat top. I do have a Weber Spirit something gas grill on the deck, but it hasn’t been fired up in 6 or 7 years and I tried to get the propane tank out of it once and it was rusted in there, so honestly I’m afraid it’d blow up.

[@PelletsandPits]

@@praetorxyn No kidding….

[@kfelix2934]

I do this different, we use a cajun injector and inject the moisture into the meat. This helps and in reality is like steaming the meat from with in. I'm not a fan of beer can chicken a cajun is always the best.

[@PelletsandPits]

Now that’s a great idea…. I will try that. Anymore tips… so a cajun beer injected bird…

[@kfelix2934]

@@PelletsandPits yes that is what we do in Lousiana, I cook a lot with beer and it does 0 with favor the beer helps in moisture control IMHO. Blend up some jalapenos+garlic in a water or beer/water mixture and inject that into the bird. You can soak you veggies like carrots, greens, squash also in it for 10-24 hours to give it some flavor. We also boil our rice in the same mixture also.

[@PelletsandPits]

@@kfelix2934 heck yeah… thanks s

[@gingerbeer019]

Do you ever do smoked veggies? I'd be curious to see how beetroot go ;))

[@PelletsandPits]

I mean that has not been on the radar...but always looking for ideas...

[@donstout9088]

I've done a similar test using one with beer and one no beer. There was absolutely no difference.

[@PelletsandPits]

100....thanks for commenting...

[@stevegerber2076]

I've used Cabernet Sauvignon, no difference as well.

[@PelletsandPits]

WOW...thanks for that...someone was asking about something similar...

[@stevencrawford7409]

Not a KZbinr but your results matched mine from years ago on a Webber gas grill. Great chicken but the beer stuffed up the chicken’s butt just didn’t make a difference one way or the other.

[@PelletsandPits]

Amen..cheers..ill stick to wet brine for max flavor...

[@soldierfox]

What about the external label and a possible bleed of those chemicals?

[@PelletsandPits]

What about em...so far death is 100...either way....

[@soldierfox]

@@PelletsandPits - I was just curious if they in-fact leech into the meat 🤷‍♂️ not trying to point out a flaw or turn this into anything weird…just genuine curiosity 🤙

[@PelletsandPits]

@@soldierfox Honestly that never crossed my mind...I knew I had tried before and was not impressed....but that idea has never came up...completely understandable...

[@toymachine2328]

The cans looked okay after the cook, though chemical transfer might not be detectible even in person without more extensive testing.

[@toddturner2356]

Who makes the bird holders?

[@PelletsandPits]

Academy....they were only 4.99 a piece

[@toddturner2356]

@@PelletsandPits Damn they dont ship to Cali...weird oh well

[@TheSmoknRat]

LOL "tastes like chicken" 😁

[@PelletsandPits]

ahhahaahh RIGHT.....

[@idonwantella2824]

What beer? No beer.....

[@gasman5356]

Is it better then a spatchcock chicken in flavor or juiciness ....no brine?? I've done beer can chicken and came up with the same conclusion...waste of time and good beer.

[@PelletsandPits]

I personally think you nailed it. Waste of time and beer. Heck even a dry brine would be more beneficial

[@paulsanders1373]

I think it was a bloody waste of time…… a dog and pony show for your friends is what it really is to me!

[@PelletsandPits]

Definitely did not have any extra flavor ....