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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Dinner » Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken

Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken

by Sarah Olson on September 8, 2022 | Updated October 3, 2022 2 Comments

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Long image of slow cooker beer chicken.
Images of whole beer chicken with text overlay of what the ingredients are.
collage of beer chicken for pinterest.

The flavors in this Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken are absolutely delicious. A whole chicken is cooked in a variety of seasonings along with butter, beer, lemon, and elephant garlic. This is one of those chicken recipes you’ll want to add to your weeknight meal plan!

Looking to try another type of beer-based recipe? Feed your family, game day crowd, or potluck friends with my Slow Cooker Beer Brats meal idea!

whole chicken cooked with beer in slow cooker.

Why this recipe works

In addition to the whole chicken, this chicken in beer recipe also includes baby potatoes, making it a one-pot meal. It’s totally up to you if you’d like to add more sides (suggestions below), but you don’t have to. This chicken recipe also works because it’s low prep and has a moderate cooking time, meaning you can start it by lunchtime and have it for dinner tonight. It’s just what you need for those busy days! Looking for a recipe without beer? Try my classic whole chicken recipe.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for whole beer chicken on a table.
  • Whole Chicken: You’ll want to leave the chicken skin on to help with savoring the flavors of the spices.
  • Baby Potatoes: I like the colors of the mixed baby potatoes; however, you can always stick with the baby reds or golds.
  • Greek Yogurt: This will be brushed onto the whole chicken to help the spice rub stay on (and add flavor).
  • Lemons: Juiced lemons add to the flavor of the dish.
  • Sweet Yellow Onion: Sweet onion adds a mild, non-spicy flavor to this chicken in beer recipe.
  • Butter: Butter simply makes everything better, right?
  • Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, and mustard powder are combined and rubbed onto the chicken before cooking.
  • Thyme & Rosemary: Used both for cooking and final garnish.

Step-by-Step Directions

6 images about how to to seasoning and put vegetables, beer and chicken in crockpot.

Step One – Prepare chicken and coat chicken with Greek yogurt.

Step Two – Season chicken with sea salt, black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stuff the chicken with as much cut onion, garlic cloves, and potatoes.

Step Three – Add remaining to the bottom of the crockpot and pour beer inside.

Step Four – Place chicken on top. Squeeze over the lemon juice.

Step Five – Place the butter and a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme on top.

Step Six – Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.

Whole beer chicken on a platter with rosemary and potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

  • As is: Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken can be considered a one-pot meal, which means it can be served as is. Simply pull off some of the tender chicken pieces and scoop out a nice helping of potatoes (and onion).
  • Side Dish Ideas: If you’d like to serve more than the baby potatoes, consider additional side options such as yellow rice, roasted veggies (green beans, carrots, asparagus, etc.), and/or corn on the cob.
  • Bread: Chicken recipes like this also pair perfectly with a variety of bread. From white sandwich bread to buttery dinner rolls and garlic bread, you can’t go wrong serving a hearty piece of bread.
plate of rice, potatoes and chicken.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best beer to use with beer can chicken?

Wheat beer or pale ale works best for this recipe, though any beer you like to drink works great. If you aren’t a beer drinker but want a hint of beer, use something very light, such as bud light.

Can I use a different type of potato?

You can; however, the mini potatoes typically cook better and yield a less mushy result.

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Sure! Of course, the name of this recipe is “whole beer chicken,” but you can certainly use another cut like chicken thighs.

How do I store leftovers?

If you just so happen to have them (wink, wink), store them in an airtight container and keep it the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Whole beer chicken on a platter with rosemary and potatoes.

Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken Recipe

4.34 from 6 votes
A whole chicken slowly cooked in beer and garlic! It's a complete meal with added potatoes.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours hours
Total Time: 6 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 769kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs. whole chicken
  • 2 Tbsp. Greek yogurt
  • 12 oz. can wheat beer or pale ale
  • 1 head elephant garlic
  • 1 sweet yellow onion
  • 2 lbs. mini potatoes
  • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 sprigs Rosemary
  • 3-4 sprigs thyme
  • 2 lemons
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 tsp. coarse black pepper
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. mustard powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Prepare the chicken by removing the items from cavity and blotting dry with a paper towel.
  • Brush Greek yogurt over the entirety of the chicken. Combine sea salt, black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl or ramekin and season the chicken.
  • Cut onion into wedges. Remove elephant garlic cloves from skin and slice in half. Add to a large bowl with potatoes. Stuff the chicken with as much of this as you can. Add remaining to the bottom of the crockpot and pour beer inside. Place chicken on top. Squeeze over the lemons. Add the butter on top, and rosemary and thyme, and close the lid. Cook for 6-7 hours on low (completely depends on exactly how large your bird is or how hot your slow cooker cooks).
  • You will want to make sure your chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.
  • Plate and serve. Enjoy!
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Recipe Notes:

  1. Wheat beer or pale ale works best for this recipe, though any beer you like to drink works great. If you aren’t a beer drinker but want a hint of beer, use something very light, such as bud light.
  2. Want to use a different cut of chicken? You can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Though, it will still take 5-6 hours on low to get tender results.
  3. Have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container and keep it the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 769kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 211mg | Sodium: 802mg | Potassium: 1679mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 844IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More Slow Cooker Beer Recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Beer Cheese Dip
  • Slow Cooker Smoked Queso
  • Slow Cooker Beer Pulled Pork
  • Slow Cooker Beer, Onion and Ketchup Chuck Roast
  • Slow Cooker Beer and Garlic Brats

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    527 shares
    • 82

    Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner, Whole Chicken

    Comments

    1. Marcia says

      September 27, 2022 at 9:39 am

      Too bitter with the lemons

      Reply
    2. Katie says

      September 23, 2022 at 7:25 pm

      1 star
      Not good. Very bitter, strange taste. No one on my family liked it!

      Reply

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