Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken

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 Onions: 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.

StepOne – Prepare chicken and coat chicken with Greek yogurt.

StepTwo – 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.

StepThree – 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.

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 musky result.

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Safe! 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.