Solid Game Day Recipes

Game day calls for something you can throw on the grill, crack a cold one, and let ride. So we teamed up with a few of our BBQ buddies to brew up something special Well, that’s exactly what we’ve got here… a few game day recipes built around good heat, simple prep, and an 805 always within reach.

Juan Serrano (@serrano_cooks)

805 Blonde Citrus Garlic Beer Can Chicken

This one’s a game day staple for a reason.

The 805 Blonde Citrus Garlic Beer Can Chicken is all about letting time, heat, and a cold 805 Blonde do all the work.

Rub / Marinade

  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tbsp chili oil
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup 805 Blonde Ale
  • Whisk together until it forms a deep red paste. Pat the chicken dry and massage the mixture all over, including under the skin. Let rest 30–60 minutes.

Inside the 805 Can

  • 3 whole garlic cloves
  • 3 bay leaves
  • A few onion slices
  • 3 thin orange slices
  • Place the chicken upright on the beer can. As it cooks, the 805 steams from the inside, infusing the meat with citrus, garlic, and bay aromatics.

Grill Setup & Cooking

  • Preheat grill to 350°–375°F.
  • Set up for indirect heat (coals or flame on one side, chicken on the other).• Place chicken upright over indirect heat.
  • Cook 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches:
  • 160–165°F in the breast
  • 175°F in the thighs
  • Let rest 10–15 minutes before carving

Chris Apple (@whitebullsbbq)

805 Beer Can Chicken Game Day Recipe

Chris Apple doesn’t overcomplicate things. He trusts the fire, the process, and a cold 805 doing its job from the inside out. His game day beer can chicken is classic, dialed, and built for feeding a crowd without babysitting the grill.

  • Take a whole young chicken (5–8 lbs) and place an opened can of Firestone Walker 805—about ¾ full—into the cavity. Season heavily on all sides and stand the chicken upright.
  • Place on your grill or smoker over indirect heat at 275°F until it reaches 100°F internal temperature.
    Crank the grill to 325°F and begin butter basting the skin to dial in crispness while the beer keeps the inside tender.
  • Once the breast hits 165°F, pull the chicken and let it rest at least 10 minutes.
  • Remove and discard the beer, break the chicken down, and serve it up. Tender breast, rich thighs, crispy wings—exactly how game day chicken should be.