Grilled Beer Can Chicken
Ever just want your own rotisserie chicken without everyone picking at it? Queue Grilled Cornish Game Hens. As a kid, Cornish game hens were one of my favorite meals my mom made, so when my husband asked for a Fourth of July dinner idea, I knew I had to make these for him. Nothing says “America” like a nostalgic meal, beer, and chicken.
If you’ve never had a Cornish game hen before, don’t let it scare you. They’re small, flavorful, and honestly easier to cook than a full chicken. This version uses a light beer to steam the meat from the inside, keeping it juicy, while garlic butter basting and lemon pepper seasoning crisp up the outside. It’s the perfect summer grill recipe — and yes, I’ll share my oven version soon too!
The Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these show-stopping Cornish Game Hens:
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Cornish Game Hens — I typically plan for one per adult or half per kid. They’re often sold frozen, so be sure to plan ahead for thawing (I thaw mine in the fridge overnight, or under cold running water if I forget — it happens).
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Oil — Olive, avocado, peanut, or spray oil all work to help seasonings stick and crisp up the skin.
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Seasonings — I keep it simple with Lawry’s Lemon Pepper and Garlic Salt. Trust me, it’s the combo.
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Basting Mix — Butter + dry minced garlic from the seasoning aisle. This is what makes the flavor pop and keeps the chicken juicy.
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Canned Beer — A light beer (Pabst or Coors Light) adds subtle flavor and moisture. You’ll need one can per hen.
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Lemon (optional) — Helps seal the top of the chicken while steaming and adds a fresh squeeze of flavor when serving.
The Method
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Start by preheating your grill to low heat. Trust me on this — low and slow is the key to juicy meat and crispy skin without flare-ups.
Step 2: Prep Your Chickens
Make sure your hens are fully thawed. Coat them thoroughly in oil, then season generously with lemon pepper and garlic salt (pat it in to help it stick). Open a can of beer and slide the chicken cavity over it so it stands upright — it’s hilarious the first time, but it works! If you’re using lemon, pop a quarter slice into the top of the chicken to help trap steam.
Step 3: Grill + Baste
Set the chickens on the grill over indirect heat. Melt your butter with dry minced garlic in a small skillet and baste each chicken every 15 minutes. The aroma is next-level good. Grill until the skin is golden brown and the internal temp reaches 165°F — about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 4: Rest + Serve
Carefully remove the hens from their cans (tongs help here!) and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve one per adult, or split for smaller portions. I like to serve them whole on a plate and let everyone pull off the meat — it’s rustic, fun, and a great way to get the kids involved.
Pairings
l love serving this chicken with Frank’s RedHot or your favorite dipping sauce. As for sides, you can’t go wrong with grilled veggies, wild rice, or pasta salad. If you’re feeling classic BBQ vibes, a cold beer and a side of cornbread hit the spot.
Grilled Beer Can Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Grill
Ingredients
- 4 small cornish game hens thawed
- 4 teaspoons oil
- 4 tablespoons lemon pepper Lawry's brand preferred
- 4 teaspoons garlic salt Lawry's brand preferred
- 1 small lemon Optional
- 4 teaspoons dry minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 12 ounce cans light beer Pabst, Coors Light, etc.
Instructions
- Pre-heat your grill to low heat.
- Rub (or spray) Oil on each Cornish Game Hen
- Rub or spray each hen with oil, then coat thoroughly with lemon pepper and garlic salt.
- Open beer cans and carefully fit each hen cavity over a can. Insert lemon quarter into top if desired.
- Place hens on the grill and cook over indirect heat.
- In a skillet, melt butter with dry minced garlic. Baste hens every 15 minutes.
- Cook until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (approx. 45–60 minutes).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
welcome!
Hi, I'm Margot Searls and my hope is to turn around recipes from my table to yours. The food you put on your table can truly turn your lifestyle around for the better—hence Turned Around Table.
