Gluten-free Root Beer Can Chicken is a delicious summer grilling recipe with crispy skin and juicy chicken!
If you’re anything like me then you’re all in a tizzy that July 4th is next week. NEXT WEEK. What?? I haven’t thought about what we’ll do, much less what we’ll eat, so this week I’m sharing a couple new and old favorite recipes that are perfect for the holiday. Whether you’re grilling or heading to a get together, I’ve got you covered.
Today I’d like to introduce you to Beer Can Chicken’s non-alcoholic cousin, Root Beer Can Chicken!
Ohh yes. A whole chicken is seasoned with homemade spice rub then plunked onto a can of root beer and grilled. Trust me when I say that it doesn’t get easier than this!
Beer Can Grilled Chicken has been around for ages, but since I haven’t found a can of gluten-free beer I love, I decided to go with root beer for a change. You know how root beer is incredible when slow-cooked with pork? Same deal with chicken. Mouthwatering. And while the inside of this chicken is the juiciest I’ve ever had, the skin gets audibly crispy while cooking low and slow on the grill. Think rotisserie-style chicken but crispier. Oh yes.
If you’ll be at home this fourth of july, eating as a family or having friends over, impress everyone with this recipe that’s not only insanely delicious, but truly simple. Fun too!
Start with the rub which is a combination of pantry-staple spices including salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, garlic powder and onion powder.
Mix everything up then set aside. This rub is fantastic on grilled chicken but is perfect to sprinkle on everything from red meat to salmon and shrimp. I just love the smoked paprika in there. It’s my new favorite spice of all time!
Next, pop the top of a can of root beer. As I mentioned, I chose root beer because a can of gluten-free beer is hard to find, and I wanted to see what it would taste like too. Turns out – awesome! Not sweet at all, so don’t sweat it sweet-meat haters.
If you don’t want to use root beer for whatever reason, any cola would taste great and of course you can’t go wrong with the classic can of beer.
Pour out 1/2 the can (drink it or save for later) then add 1 teaspoon of the rub into the top while holding the can over the sink as it will foam a bit. Put the can on a plate then set aside.
Finally – zee chicken. You’ll need a 3-4lb chicken with the neck and giblets removed if the chicken still contains them. I got this bird on sale at the grocery store for $6.99. A total steal considering it will feed 3-4 people!
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels then season the insides with a couple big pinches of the rub, and then season the outside with the remaining rub (you may not need it all.) Place the chicken over the root beer can then place it over indirect heat on a grill preheated to 325 degrees.
Now, what does indirect heat mean? It means not directly over an open flame. So, for my grill which has three main burners, I lit the two burners on each end then placed the chicken in the center. Then I grilled it for 45 minutes with the lid down, or until the thickest part of the breast reached 160-165 degrees.
It could take you 45 minutes to an hour, maybe a little more. It just depends on how big your bird is and how steady the temperature remains. That being said, it’s kind of fool proof. Check the temperature a few times (my grill has a thermometer on the outside) but just know that it’s ok if the temp ranges from 325 – 340’ish while grilling. You don’t want it much hotter than that otherwise the seasonings can burn.
Tip: if your grill doesn’t have a grease trap, place a disposable pie tin (or a homemade one made from heavy-duty aluminum foil) on top of the UNLIT burner under the grates to catch the drippings.
After the chicken is grilled to crispy yet juicy perfection, remove it from the grill with the help of a couple pairs of tongs then let it rest for 5 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or straight up. I didn’t need a thing!
Strawberry-Blueberry Vanilla Chex Bars (Gluten-Free)Root Beer Can Chicken
Description
Gluten-free Root Beer Can Chicken is a whole chicken grilled on top of a can of root beer. Super crispy skin and juicy chicken is the perfect centerpiece at any summer grill out!
Ingredients
- 3-4lb chicken, neck and giblets removed
- 1 can root beer
- grapeseed oil (or vegetable or canola oil)
- For the rub
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 3/4 Tablespoon salt
- 1/2 Tablespoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
- Preheat grill over high heat until it reaches 325 degrees then turn down to medium-high to maintain temperature. Combine all rub ingredients in a small bowl then mix to combine.
- Pour out half the can of root beer then add 1 teaspoon rub mixture into the can while holding it over the sink as it will foam and over flow a bit. Place root beer can on a plate then set aside.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels then rub all over with oil. Season the inside with a couple big pinches of the rub then season the outside (may not need it all.) Place chicken over root beer can then transfer to the grill over indirect heat - meaning don't place the chicken directly over the flame.
- Put the lid down then grill for 45 minutes - 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer placed into the thickest part of the breast reads 160-165 degrees, keeping the temperature between 325 and 340 degrees during cooking time (it doesn't have to be precise.) Do not lift the lid for at least the first 40 minutes as the grill will take a long time to heat back up.
- Use tongs to transfer the chicken and root beer can to a plate then let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Be very careful as the root beer can will be HOT!
Notes
If your grill does not have a grease trap, place a disposable pie tin or one made out of heavy-duty foil under the grates to check the chicken drippings.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
This rub is so, so good. The perfect mix of salty, smoky, and savory. And that skin? SO crispy!
I served my Root Beer Can Chicken with a few simple veggie kabobs. That’s just mushrooms skewered with green bell pepper and red onion, spritzed with extra virgin olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and then grilled until tender. Delish. Enjoy, enjoy!
Kristin, this looks amazing! I cannot wait to try it! Lincoln is getting so big. Can’t believe it has been almost a year…time flies.
I WANT one of those cookbooks…we are driving to SD next weekend, and can drive through IOWA…will you be handing them out?
That picture is priceless! He is such a little stud muffin. :)
That chicken looks delicious (as does your lovely sunny day). Would this work in a conventional oven?
Does the chicken have a root beer flavor to it?
I’ve always wanted to make beer can chicken…but now I want to make this way more! Root beer floats can step aside this summer, I’m definitely going to try this out.
That chicken sound delicious! Love that you used root beer! And your little man, how cute!!!
Chicken + Root Beer = True love always.
Nuff said!
It has never crossed my mind to make root beer chicken!! Looks like the perfect summer dinner.
Lincoln is getting SO BIG! Looks like a really fun weekend. And this recipe is brilliant! I adore beer can chicken, so need to try this!
Oh MY word…would LOVE to have one of those cookbooks!
What fun this chicken will be to make this weekend. Summer has me craving a grill item at least once a week so this. will. happen.
And do I REALLY see green peppers on that skewer?? Are you a changed woman now?!
HAHA, right?! The only, and I mean ONLY way I can tolerate peppers is grilled. And they have to be grilled green peppers, no other color. :)
I love that his little toes curl when he kisses you! What a cutie. Would love to have one of those cookbooks. I’ll need to try the chicken.
Where is that cute tank from you wore to the Farmers Market book signing??
Express a few years ago! :)
Your blog always makes me miss home! I’m a Cyclone alum too whose spent many a dinner at Hickory Park. Cannot wait to try this as root beer and chicken are two of my favorite ingestibles!
That looks amazing! I wonder what I would need to adjust for a charcoal grill?
I would put all the hot coals off to one side then add a few more hot coals maybe once or twice throughout the process (I’m sorry I don’t know more – I have never cooked over a charcoal grill!)
Looks like an awesome weekend, your son is too cute!
Such an awesome idea, love the flavors! And what great pics:)
That sounds lovely! Weird question…my daughter had to go gluten free, and we were told that root beer had gluten in it. She has been so disappointed as it was one of her favorite treats! Did you find a non-gluten root beer specifically, or do you think we were given false information?
I found this thread via a quick google search – seems like old-fashioned/homemade root beer can contain gluten, but most of the commercial root beers do not. I did not have a problem with the Hy-Vee brand I used! http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/topic/39704-gluten-in-root-beer/
A&W Root beer is GF as well. Google searches helped me out when I was new to celiac. An app called Ipiit helps as well.
That baby is precious! And I totally need to try this.. we LOVE root beer!
I love this whole post!
Love the shorts you are wearing above. Where did you get them? L is seriously adorable. I can’t believe how quickly they grow up.
They’re Old Navy “boyfriend jeans” shorts!
Clever Kristin!
This idea is going to run & tun- things sat on cans. We have great natural fruit flavoured fizz here and I think that I will be experimenting for some time.
[…] Root Bear Can Chicken- this picture is the best! […]
This loos delicious! We don’t have a grill rght nw. Do you think this coud be done in the oven? Thanks! :o)
If you don’t mind, could you do share what type of grill you have/what to look for when purchasing a grill? We have a tiny little tailgate grill that we’ve had since college and I want to upgrade for a gift for my husband, but I’m not sure what to look for. Thanks!
The gas grill was actually built into an outdoor kitchen before we bought our house last summer so I’m afraid I’m not much help. Anyone have any suggestions?
This looks delicious! I would never have thought to do a can of root beer instead of just beer. I am also intrigued by the chicken you used and want to try and find that brand.
I loved smoked paprika. I can’t go back to the regular stuff now!
I about died when I saw that picture on IG. He is just too stinkin’ cute for words!
And yes, I hope you do a giveaway for that cookbook! I’m sure it’s full of delicious goodness.
That chicken looks Fantastic.
Course down this way in Texas they use Beer and call it Beer Butt Bird.
OMG. Born, raised and grew up in Iowa. Lived between Fonda and Newell so I would dearly love to have one of them cookbooks.
I graduated from school in small town called Newell. After getting married hubby and myself lived in Pomeroy.
Your son is so adorable and growing so fast. Cherish all those wonderful moments.
Enjoy your evening
ColleenB.
Loving the cookbook AND the kitchen conversions in the back! None of my cookbooks have anything about pints/quarts/gallons, so I always have to google it!
So glad to hear, Jeri, and SO glad I finally got to meet you! :)
Hey girl,
Just so you know, the Saucy Southerner isn’t something that is on the menu when the health inspector comes through. Maybe because the meat used in it, and maybe the way it is prepared, but that meal doesn’t pass standard health codes… yupp. I wouldn’t feed it to my kids if I had any. And yes, I did live with someone who had worked there for a year, as well as many other ex-employes of the infamous Hick Park and boy have I heard stories. Hit up the Cafe on the north side, WAY BETTER!
Darn, I’m so bummed I missed you at the farmers market! Please do announce the next time you’ll be there!
This looks so good!! Nothing like a juicy roast chicken. Pinned!
This looks great Kristin! Hope you have a great day :)
http://youtube.com/addalittlefood
Thanks for sharing your Root Beer Can Chicken. When I saw the picture you post I feel so hungry. I want to eat now. Tomorrow is my cheat day so I must try your recipe and share it also to my family and friends. It looks really yummy. I’m so excited to taste this delicious Root Beer Can Chicken and I hope I can make exactly as this.
Looks delicious! Love the shots of my Alma Mater. Miss seeing the Campanile. And Hickory Park was the site of my first date with my hubby. Such memories.
Brenn — Native Iowan, Tranplanted to Florida
Hi! I’m bummed I missed you at the Farmer’s Market. I live several hours away from Des Moines and was wondering if there’s any way I would be able to get my hands on a copy of that cookbook?
Hi Stacy! Email me at iowagirleats@gmail.com and I’ll see what I can do! :)
That picture of you and Lincoln is SO CUTE!
never thought of using root beer. i’ve used beer and have seen other people use various colas, but never root beer. that’s the only soda i drink, so i’m sure i’d love this!
Oh man, this chicken is SO good! I’ve been making recipes off your site for awhile and have never commented but I had to come out of lurking for this one! I knew it was going to be good when I lifted the lid of the grill after exactly 40 minutes and saw a perfectly cooked chicken, five minutes from being done. It continued from there with my husband exclaiming with happiness as soon as he saw it. The next thing I know he’s trying to convince me that we need to make TWO to bring to our friend’s Fourth of July party! I think he’ll probably get his way on that one…
Anyway, also just wanted to say thanks for all the work you do to bring us so many wonderful recipes. I always have a soft spot for your blog as I went to school at Iowa (go Hawks!!) and really enjoyed my four years in your wonderful state.
So glad to hear, Katie, I’m glad you guys enjoyed!!
[…] Bliss: Next time we have company over this summer, I really want to make this Root Beer Can Chicken from Iowa Girl Eats. The seasonings look […]
I made 2 of these for dinner tonight… And they were AWESOME! When I took them off the grill, the dr pepper (my husband had consumed all of the root beer) fell over and leaked on the pan. I reduced those drippings and added a little more garlic and smoked paprika, then added some ketchup which made a great BBQ sauce. I will say the smoked paprika totally made this! Thank you for this recipe!!
Yessss – LOVE the reduced sauce idea, too!!
I used Dr. Pepper also! Worked great.
I made this tonight with a can of Dr. Pepper instead of Root Beer (could not find a single can of root beer in the grocery store). It was DELICIOUS. Sadly, I ate most of the skin which probably isn’t to healthy but it was so good I couldn’t help it. Thanks for sharing!
This was so amazing! I have the tendency to overcook chicken, but not this time!
Now I just need to figure out how to do this in the oven so I can make it in the winter!
Am I the only person who had to wait nearly two hours for my root beer bird to be done?! I set my gas grill to 350, placed the bird on indirect heat…and after 1 hr and 45 minutes it was still only to,130 degrees so I had to finish it off in the oven before my in-laws started eating the table cloth. What went wrong? And, I’m a good cook, so this was not a case of me being dense… I don’t think :)
Hey Sherri, I’m sorry to hear that! The only thing I can think of is that maybe the thermometer on your grill is off and/or the heat didn’t stay constant the whole time?
So I am seeing this for the first time because of the 40+ tips post. So I guess I am buying a can of rooter tomorrow as I picked up a bird yesterday that was on sale. Yep this will be made!
[…] the rub I used a slightly altered version of Iowa Girl Eats’ spice rub from her Root Beer Can Chicken. I didn’t have onion powder so I used onion salt, but used 1 tsp. instead of 2. I also […]
[…] How about Iowa Girl Eats Root Beer Chicken […]
Hi! I enjoy your blog very much. I’m not gluten-free but your recipes are delicious for everyone. Also, I’m an ISU Alum(as is my husband) and my son currently goes to school there, so I loved the extra special treat today of the shots of the beautiful campus. Always brings back happy memories. Thanks for sharing!
[…] Thursday: Root Beer Can Chicken […]