The Best Soda Can Smoked Chicken
If you’ve never tried cooking a whole chicken on a soda can, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of our family’s favorite ways to make juicy, flavorful chicken with perfectly crispy skin. Whether you use cola, root beer, or even beer, each option adds its own subtle flavor while the smoker does the rest of the work. This recipe is the best soda can smoked chicken I’ve ever made, and it’s a huge crowd pleaser!
For our family of six, we always cook at least two whole chickens, but you can easily adjust the recipe depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Super Easy Soda Can Chicken Directions:
Start by patting each chicken dry with paper towels.
Drizzle with a little olive oil to help the seasoning stick, then coat generously with your favorite blend.
You can never go wrong with a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder! Those are staples almost everyone always has on hand! We used Tony Chachere’s seasoning this time around, but we also love the Traeger Garlic Chili Pepper Rub, and the Spanglish Asadero Garlic & Lime Seasoning – all excellent options for this soda can chicken…and beyond!
Next, open a can of soda and pour out about half (or drink it for yourself!). Place the chicken upright over the open can so it stands on its own. This time we used regular Coca-Cola, but we’ve also had great results with other cola varieties too!
Place the chickens in your smoker set to 350°F. Since every chicken cooks a little differently, don’t rely on time alone. Instead, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to check for doneness.
***if you don’t have a smoker, this can absolutely be made in the oven! Just follow the same practices and check with your thermometer often!
This is the thermometer we and love – and it’s half off! This is another great option as well!
We remove ours at 160°F and let carryover cooking finish the job while the chicken rests. This makes the most juicy chicken!
Even when two chickens look almost identical, they can cook at different rates. On our last cook, one bird was finished while the other was still about 15 degrees cooler, so checking each chicken individually is worth the extra minute.
Once they’re done, let the chickens rest before carving. The result is tender, smoky chicken that’s perfect for family dinners, leftovers, sandwiches, or meal prep throughout the week.
This soda can chicken is such a good summer staple and paired with this broccoli salad. The sweetness of the salad with the tart-ness of the chicken? SO good. And this potato salad is always a hit – and one of my top finds on my Pinterest!
Finish it off with this fruit pizza or a fan favorite, this red raspberry jello!
Whether this is a fun and simple way for you to meal prep, the best soda can smoked chicken is going to be your next go-to for the fam!
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