Name: Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 - 12 oz can Cherry Dr. Pepper; 1 Cup Ketchup; 1 - 6 oz. can tomato paste; 1 Cup Brown Sugar; 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke; 1/2 tsp. Chili Powder; 1 tsp. minced garlic; 1 whole chicken cut up OR 1 package of dark meat chicken cut up about 12 pieces of chicken; 3 teaspoons Seasoning Salt; 1 tsp Paprika

Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken is a recipe that’s taken our summer cookouts by storm, and for good reason! Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken infused with an unbelievably delicious sweet and tangy glaze, all kissed by the smoky char of the grill. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds, and maybe even sneak a taste off their neighbor’s plate. What makes this Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken so irresistible? It’s that perfect balance of sweet cherry and the unique, slightly spicy kick of Dr. Pepper, creating a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and excitingly new. This isn’t just another grilled chicken recipe; it’s an experience, a flavor explosion that will have you firing up the grill all season long. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing culinary marvel!

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds singin extractg! This Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken recipe is a game-changer, combining the sweet and tangy notes of a classic soda with savory grilled chicken for an unforgettable meal. The secret lies in the incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious marinade and glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special. It’s perfect for a backyard BBQ, a casual weeknight dinner, or whenever you’re craving something that’s both comforting and exciting. The beauty of this dish is its versatility; you can use a whole cut-up chicken or opt for chicken pieces like thighs and drum extractsticks, which tend to stay extra moist and flavorful on the grill. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 – 12 oz can Cherry Dr. Pepper

1 Cup Ketchup

1 – 6 oz. can tomato paste

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. Onion Powder

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. liquid smoke

1/2 tsp. Chili Powder

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 whole chicken cut up OR 1 package of dark meat chicken cut up about 12 pieces of chicken

3 teaspoons Seasoning Salt

1 tsp Paprika

Preparing the Glaze

The magic of this recipe begin extracts with the glaze. This sweet and smoky concoction is what gives the chicken its signature flavor and beautiful, caramelized finish. You’ll want to prepare this ahead of time so it has a chance to meld its flavors.

In a medium saucepan, combine the Cherry Dr. Pepper, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, liquid smoke, chili powder, and minced garlic.

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the ingredients together until everything is well combined.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the glaze to thicken slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. This simmering process helps to deepen the flavors and cook out any metallic taste from the soda. Be careful not to let it boil too vigorously, as the sugar can scorch easily. The aroma at this stage is already incredible, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

Once thickened, remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside to cool. You can make this glaze a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; the flavors will only get better! If you’re making it ahead, you might need to gently warm it up before basting the chicken.

Preparing the Chicken

While the glaze is cooling, it’s time to get the chicken ready for its flavorful journey. Proper seasoning is key to ensuring every bite is delicious.

Pat your chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin on the grill and helping the seasoning adhere better.

In a small bowl, mix together the seasoning salt and paprika.

Generously season all sides of your chicken pieces with this seasoning salt and paprika mixture. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. The seasoning salt provides a good base of salt and other spices, while the paprika adds a lovely color and subtle flavor.

Grilling the Chicken

Now for the main event! Grilling adds that perfect smoky char and allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). It’s important to have a consistent temperature for even cooking. Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can do this by brushing the grates with a high-heat oil like canola or vegetable oil after cleaning them.

Place the seasoned chicken pieces directly on the preheated grill grates. If you’re using a whole cut-up chicken, start with the pieces that require longer cooking times (like thighs and drum extractsticks) on the hotter parts of the grill, and breast pieces on slightly cooler areas.

Grill the chicken for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until it’s almost cooked through. During the last 10-15 minutes of grilling, begin extract brushing the chicken generously with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. Continue to grill, basting every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part (avoiding the bone), and the glaze is caramelized and sticky. The sugar in the glaze can burn easily, so keep a close eye on it and adjust your grill heat if necessary. You might need to move pieces to a cooler zone of the grill if they start to char too quickly.

Once the chicken is cooked and beautifully glazed, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and moist.

This Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is fantastic served with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob. Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that are sure to impress everyone!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a recipe for Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken that is sure to become a go-to for your next backyard barbecue or weeknight meal! This dish truly shines because of its incredible flavor fusion. The sweet, tangy cherry and bold Dr. Pepper marinade creates a caramelized crust that is both sticky and savory, while the grilled chicken remains wonderfully juicy and tender. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.

I love serving this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken alongside classic summer sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh potato salad. For a lighter option, a vibrant green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is also a fantastic pairing. Feel free to get creative with variations! You can easily adapt the marinade by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts of chicken; thighs work beautifully and stay extra moist.

I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. The unique blend of flavors is a delightful departure from your average grilled chicken, and the sweet, sticky glaze is utterly irresistible. Get ready for some serious compliments!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Cherry Dr. Pepper marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even further, resulting in an even more delicious chicken. Just ensure you marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, before grilling.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake or pan-fry this chicken?

Yes, you can! While grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor and char, this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken can also be successfully baked or pan-fried. For baking, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, basting with extra marinade during the last few minutes. For pan-frying, cook the chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, basting as you go.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

A sweet and savory grilled chicken recipe featuring a glaze made with Cherry Dr. Pepper, ketchup, and brown sugar.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
4-6 servings

Ingredients

1 – 12 oz can Cherry Dr. Pepper
1 Cup Ketchup
1 – 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. liquid smoke
1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 whole chicken cut up OR 1 package of dark meat chicken cut up about 12 pieces of chicken
3 teaspoons Seasoning Salt
1 tsp Paprika

Instructions

Step 1
Combine Cherry Dr. Pepper, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, liquid smoke, chili powder, minced garlic, seasoning salt, and paprika in a saucepan.
Step 2
Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Reserve about 1 cup of sauce for basting.
Step 3
Season the chicken pieces generously with additional seasoning salt and pepper.
Step 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 5
Grill the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), flipping every 5-7 minutes.
Step 6
During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved sauce for basting.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken – Easy & Flavorful

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken