austin, I've done a LOT of Beer-Can-Chickens. I usually set them in a 9x9 cake pan on a different vertical chicken holder. Typically, it's a close fit from the cooking grate to the inside top of the lid (guess I should measure it some day), does fit though. One thing to note: chicken gives off a LOT of chicken fat/juice/drippings ... that's why I use the 9x9 (to catch drippings for gravy). SJ
Ooops, forgot to mention that I use a 22" kettle.