Beer Can Chicken-Bacon Bowl
By :Chop Secrets
Votes: 119
Rating: 4.2
Rate this recipe!
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Course Dinner
Cuisine Modern
Difficulty Easy
Browse Category Poultry, Rice & Pastas
Duration 15-30 min
Cooking Technique Pressure Cook, Sauté
Main Ingredient Bacon, Chicken Thighs, Red Pepper
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings
6 serving
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 3 strips bacon diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper cored and chopped
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground chipotle pepper or 1/8 tsp cayenne
  • 12 ounces beer 1 can (or chicken broth)
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless and skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 4 strips bacon cooked and crumbled for topping
Course Dinner
Cuisine Modern
Difficulty Easy
Browse Category Poultry, Rice & Pastas
Duration 15-30 min
Cooking Technique Pressure Cook, Sauté
Main Ingredient Bacon, Chicken Thighs, Red Pepper
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings
6 serving
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 3 strips bacon diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper cored and chopped
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground chipotle pepper or 1/8 tsp cayenne
  • 12 ounces beer 1 can (or chicken broth)
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless and skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 4 strips bacon cooked and crumbled for topping
Votes: 119
Rating: 4.2
Rate this recipe!
Print Recipe
Instructions
  1. Add olive oil to the Instant Pot. Using the display panel select the SAUTE function.
  2. When oil gets hot, add diced bacon and cook, stirring, until crisp, 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add bell pepper to the pot and saute until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add onion to the pot and saute until soft, 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add garlic, paprika, salt and ground chipotle and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Add the beer to the pot and deglaze by using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Add rice and stir. Nestle the chicken into the rice mixture in one even layer, turning once to coat.
  6. Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
  7. Using the display panel select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK function*. Use the +/- buttons and program the Instant Pot for 10 minutes.
  8. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
  9. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and cut into bite-sized pieces. Return chicken pieces to the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve warm topped with additional crumbled bacon.
Recipe Notes

*If your Instant Pot does not have a MANUAL function, use the Pressure Cook function.

95 replies
  1. Krryrmn
    Krryrmn says:

    This recipe has good bones, but needs some tweeking. It came out a little to watery and oily. The beer flavor was really good. I might suggest that maybe you omit the oil in the beginning and play with the amount of beer. I like my food a little spicier so id add more spice.

  2. Cool_Hand_Luke
    Cool_Hand_Luke says:

    Disaster of a recipe. The rice burned at the bottom so the InstantPot kept shutting itself down. If there is a good way of making this recipe, they don’t explain it. Waste of goof chicken and bacon.

  3. Mestabro
    Mestabro says:

    Came out like gumbo, was pretty good, not all that hard to make.

    Could use a bit more flavor in my opinion, maybe my beer was too bland.

  4. CoffeeMeMe
    CoffeeMeMe says:

    “red pepper” is NOT the same thing as “Red BELL Pepper”. Need to correct the “main ingredient” listing so search works correctly

  5. Odellg
    Odellg says:

    This dish was easy and tasty! BUT… I read all the reviews prior to making and decided to do only 8oz of beer instead of 12. The consistency was perfect. I also added double red pepper to the recipe and topped wirh red paper flakes. To me it was a good heat but not too much. Enjoy!

  6. Anticool
    Anticool says:

    The instant pot continuoisly burned the rice on the bottom. So, it never reached cooking pressure. I followed the recipe to the letter. I even removed the contents and tried again after scraping the burnt layer. This is not the first recipe I have had this issue with.

  7. Instant Pot
    Instant Pot says:

    Hi AntiCool,

    Ensure to always deglaze after sauteing, and if left on sautee too long after adding the beer it may have evaporated too much liquid.

  8. Caldyhome
    Caldyhome says:

    Brand new to instapot. I decided to try this as my first attempt at using the pot. Turned out perfect..although me and my daughter thought it needed just something else. Maybe some beans..red, black etc. Will tinker with this recipe, but it is actually tasty as is.

  9. JustineDawn
    JustineDawn says:

    Very good and easy, next time im leaving all the bacon out and adding it in after pressure cooking.. i think it lost its flavor under pressure. Other than that, very tasty!

  10. carolmoo
    carolmoo says:

    1st dinner in Instant Pot. Meal came out exactly as expected, chicken super moist and perfect rice. Found taste to be bitter – probably from beer – next time will try chicken stock.

  11. Sharpsn
    Sharpsn says:

    Using the Instapot Lux- 3qt. Ended up getting the burn message multiple times. We tried everything from adding a second beer and scraping the bottom to physically removing the food and cleaning the bottom completely and putting the food back in. Made the recipe following it to a T but gave up and finished cooking on the stove. Tasted really good but needed more salt.

  12. nicholas.defeo
    nicholas.defeo says:

    Do not use an IPA. My better judgement said not to and I did it anyway. Can’t say for sure but I think it would have been great with a run of the mill lager or chicken broth like it said to use.

  13. nicholas.defeo
    nicholas.defeo says:

    Don’t use an IPA. Rice was perfectly cooked. Chicken broth or a run of the mill lager would be good. Maybe a Dr. Pepper?

  14. HotMomX4
    HotMomX4 says:

    I used applewood smoked bacon and Redds Apple ale. Worked great,awesome flavor. Will definitely be making this recipe again.

  15. Tarin
    Tarin says:

    I made this with Rice-a-Roni long grain & wild rice and it came out super delicious! I did not use the bell pepper or any other pepper ingredients. My only complaint is the chicken was a little dry. Im not sure how to fix that so the chicken doesn’t cook as much but the rice still cooks thoroughly?

  16. Instant Pot
    Instant Pot says:

    Hi Tarin,

    When setting up pressure cooking program, ensure the keep warm is off to avoid overcooking. Waiting 5 minutes before releasing pressure helps the meat retain its juices.

  17. Sadierenee
    Sadierenee says:

    It was good. We made ours with a pale ale and extra spice. Chicken was a lirtke dry, not sure why.

  18. fallfav
    fallfav says:

    Flavor was good. It didn’t build pressure though and rice burnt to the bottom. I scraped it and set it to the rice setting for 10 minutes. Most of the rice was cooked. Disappointed.

  19. JoanoeGranola
    JoanoeGranola says:

    My husband loved this recipe. The rice ended up a little sticky, but nothing to complain about. The chicken was extremely tender and I barely had to cut it when I removed it from the pot. It has just the right amount of spice to create a nice bite but not burn your mouth. The crispy bacon topping adds a nice crunch to the dish.

  20. mechanic.mel
    mechanic.mel says:

    Made it for my husband and I- Delicious! Would make again 100%
    Had two good size lunches for leftovers.
    Do not use more rice than directed!

  21. Ljcrutcher
    Ljcrutcher says:

    We loved this recipe. Made it with double rice and double beer just a standard bud light. Will definitely be making this again. It was so quick and simple.

  22. A-A-Ron
    A-A-Ron says:

    This recipe is great! We like to make beercan chicken on the grill, but this works well for those winter nights when the grill is closed. I subbed the crumbled bacon topping for chopped fresh cilantro, and it made all the difference.

  23. Saxmastah
    Saxmastah says:

    I made this with chicken breast instead of thigh as that is what i had. Still delicious, roce was perfect, excellent spice! Will be making this again for sure!

  24. joannabougie
    joannabougie says:

    Tasted great! But I used jasmine rice and got a “burn” error message as the rice soaked up the liquid too quickly, stuck to the bottom, and it couldn’t reach pressure.

    Next time I will make the rice seperately.

  25. CBrassine
    CBrassine says:

    My Husband loved it! I liked it & it didn’t take too long to cook. I may have to use chicken broth next time, tasted a bit like beer rather than chicken & bacon.

  26. Sararudolph
    Sararudolph says:

    Smells amazing when you cook it. But make sure you don’t use an IPA beer or any hoppy beer, it will hinder the flavors. I would of liked it better if i used a bland flavor beer or chicken broth because I tasted too much of the beer.

  27. LyssaMae
    LyssaMae says:

    I used chicken breast and a whole tsp chipotle since my husband likes things spicy. It turned out great! He loves it, will definitely be making this again. I made sure the chicken sunk into the rice mixture a bit before pressure cooking and turned off keep warm function and it was very tender and juicy

  28. Jdis4ut
    Jdis4ut says:

    Loved this. Instead of 12oz can of beer we used a 16oz can and there was no sign of rice burning. Great and easy reciepe!!

  29. Manderz625@live.com
    Manderz625@live.com says:

    It was easy to make and came out as expected, the chicken was very moist but the entire thing was pretty bland. I don’t know what it’s missing, but it’s missing something.

  30. Chevy Girl
    Chevy Girl says:

    Maybe for those who want more flavor just add more paprica and chipotle pepper or whatever extra spice you like or think will complement the dish.

  31. Cwoliver
    Cwoliver says:

    Very good and easy. Wife is alergic to peppers so skipped that and added can of corn after pulling the chicken out. Ton of flavor and sooo good!

  32. A-A-Ron
    A-A-Ron says:

    This dish is great! We opted instead for chopped fresh cilantro instead of crumbled bacon for the topping

  33. Danay
    Danay says:

    Next time I make this I will add extra rice, may even double it as it was very soupy at first. Had good taste though.

  34. StefPape
    StefPape says:

    SO YUMMY! Cooked everything except the rice according to recipe! Substituted quinoa for the rice which adds more protein which my family needs. I ate seconds and thirds

  35. 9286christine
    9286christine says:

    This was really good! I don’t like beer at all and even though I can sort of taste it I would totally nake this again! I garnished with cheese and sour cream.

  36. Kazoo2079
    Kazoo2079 says:

    I followed this recipe verbatim and I ended up getting the burn signal…I don’t understand why…when I opened up the lid all the rice was burnt to the bottom of the pot 🙁

  37. deespot93
    deespot93 says:

    Taste amaxing. Got a little burned rice on the bottom. Just gonna add some more liquid next time.. Yumm

  38. Ndroby
    Ndroby says:

    Moist and flavorful! Bacon makes the world go round, and it definitely makes this a great recipe! Easy and delicious! A repeat!

  39. AlynaJC
    AlynaJC says:

    I kept having to add more liquid because it kept burning. I ended up taking it out of the instant post and finished cooking it in the oven.
    2 stars instesd of one becaus it still tasted good.

  40. Instant Pot
    Instant Pot says:

    Hi AlynaJC,

    After adding the liquid, you need to deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot before adding in the rice.

  41. Bchartzog
    Bchartzog says:

    I didn’t have an onion or garlic clove. Substituted tablespoon of powder of each. Used a green bell pepper cause it’s what we had and Basmati rice instead of white. And I like dark beer so used a can and a half of a coffee stout and it was amazing!

  42. Rino86
    Rino86 says:

    Made this recipe for 12 servings. Added 2 cups of shredded cheese at the end and stirred in. Also shredded the chicken at the end and served with a dollop of sour cream. I went with cayenne pepper and a little more than the recipe calls for. Also used plain old coors for the beer. Turned out amazing. Will definitely be making again.

  43. Tmhester
    Tmhester says:

    Super easy and yummy recipe!! After reading thru the comments, we decided to add beans (black) to the recipe– great addition! Deglazing is necessary to avoid burning. 🙂 We used chicken breast cut into 2 pieces–decided we will cube next time. I started to use the saute button for bacon… ended up using the air fryer to crisp it up. Also topped with sour cream 🙂 Will make again! Delish!!

  44. Muddyfish19
    Muddyfish19 says:

    5 Stars as it delivers on taste, ease and how quick it was to prepare. I also got the burn message, but it was my first time and read through comments while it cooked. I added a little chicken broth when I put the chicken back in and voila! I added a little cheese and a dollop of sour cream… now i want to eat every last bit of it!

    Will be on the list of favorites!

  45. Instant Pot
    Instant Pot says:

    Yes you can but the cooking time will most likely need to be increased. When cooking from frozen it is a good idea to have a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken was cooked to a safe temperature.

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