Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken – Sweet & Smoky

Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken is about to become your new summer obsession. Imagin extracte sinking your teeth into juicy, tender chicken infused with an irresistible sweet and tangy glaze that has a hint of that unmistakable Dr. Pepper zing. This isn’t just another grilled chicken recipe; it’s a flavor explosion that always hits the mark, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any occasion that calls for something deliciously different. What makes Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken so special? It’s the unexpected yet harmonious marriage of bright cherry sweetness and the complex, spiced notes of Dr. Pepper, creating a marinade and glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. Get ready for rave reviews and requests for seconds!

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

This recipe is a game-changer for backyard barbecues and weeknight dinners alike. Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken infused with a delightful sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor, all thanks to a surprisingly simple yet incredibly effective marinade and glaze. The star of this show? A can of Cherry Dr. Pepper, which works wonders to tenderize the meat and impart a unique, irresistible sweetness.

We’re not just talking about a basic grilled chicken here. This is an experience. The Cherry Dr. Pepper, combined with classic barbecue staples, creates a sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, leaving you with perfectly charred edges and succulent meat. It’s the kind of meal that will have your friends and family asking for the recipe, and you’ll be happy to share this little secret.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of the magic happens in the sauce, which comes together in mere minutes. You can even make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld even further. Grilling the chicken ensures that perfect smoky char that’s so hard to resist, and the Cherry Dr. Pepper sauce ensures that your chicken stays incredibly moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. Get ready to impress!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Cherry Dr. Pepper Sauce

The first step to delicious Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken is to create the phenomenal sauce that will coat our poultry. This sauce is where all the flavor magic happens, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of ketchup, 1 can of tomato paste, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Stir these ingredients together until they start to incorporate. Next, pour in the entire 12 oz can of Cherry Dr. Pepper. The carbonation might cause a slight fizz, which is perfectly normal.

Add the remaining sauce ingredients: 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Whisk everything together until it is well combined and there are no lumps of tomato paste or brown sugar remaining.

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to thicken slightly. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. As it simmers, the flavors will meld together beautifully, and the sauce will develop a rich, glossy texture. Once it has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. You can either use this sauce immediately as a glaze or let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future use. It’s even better if it has a day to let those flavors marry.

Preparing the Chicken for the Grill

While your sauce is simmering and thickening, it’s time to get your chicken ready. Whether you’re using a whole chicken cut into pieces or a package of dark meat cuts like thighs and drum extractsticks, it’s important to season them well.

Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a nice sear on the grill. In a small bowl, combine the 3 teaspoons of seasoning salt and the 1 teaspoon of paprika. This simple rub will add a foundational layer of savory flavor to your chicken. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of your chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Now, for the marinating. Place your seasoned chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour about half of your prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper sauce over the chicken. Reserve the other half for glazing during grilling. Gently toss the chicken to ensure all pieces are coated in the sauce. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably for 4-6 hours, or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate the meat, making it incredibly tender and delicious.

Grilling the Cherry Dr. Pepper Chicken

Now for the exciting part: grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to have a grill that’s hot enough to get a good sear but not so hot that it burns the sauce before the chicken is cooked through.

Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken pieces directly on the preheated grill grates. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle!

Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the size and thickness of your pieces. During the last 5-10 minutes of grilling, begin extract basting the chicken generously with the reserved Cherry Dr. Pepper sauce. You can use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon for this. Baste multiple times, allowing the sauce to caramelize and create a beautiful, sticky glaze. This basting process is crucial for achieving that signature sweet and tangy crust.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) in the thickest part of the meat, ensuring it’s cooked through but still juicy. Be careful not to overcook, as this can lead to dry chicken.

Resting and Serving

Once your Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken has reached the perfect internal temperature and has a beautiful, caramelized glaze, remove it from the grill. It’s essential to let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is as moist and flavorful as possible. Tent loosely with foil to keep it warm while it rests.

Serve your mouthwatering Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken hot off the grill. It’s fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad. You can even drizzle a little extra of the warmed reserved sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a summer favorite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to elevate your grilling game with Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken! This recipe is a winner because it perfectly balances the sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced notes of the Cherry Dr. Pepper marinade with the savory goodness of chicken. The grilling process locks in moisture, creating incredibly tender and juicy pieces of chicken with a beautiful char. It’s the perfect dish for any summer barbecue, backyard gathering, or even a weeknight dinner when you want something special without a lot of fuss. We’ve found it’s fantastic served alongside classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled corn. For a lighter option, consider a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations – perhaps adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a little heat, or even using chicken thighs for an extra rich flavor. We truly encourage you to give this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken a try. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is and how much your taste buds will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in advance, or even overnight for a deeper flavor. Just make sure to store it covered in the refrigerator. You can also grill the chicken ahead and reheat it gently.

What if I don’t have Cherry Dr. Pepper?

While Cherry Dr. Pepper is key to the unique flavor profile, you could try a regular Dr. Pepper with a splash of cherry juice or even a cola with a bit of cherry extract. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

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

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
45 Minutes

Total Time
1 Hours

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

1. Step 1
   In a medium saucepan, combine the Cherry Dr. Pepper, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, liquid smoke, chili powder, minced garlic, paprika, and seasoning salt. Stir well.
2. Step 2
   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a glaze consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Step 3
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, let the coals burn until they are covered with gray ash.
4. Step 4
   Season the chicken pieces with additional seasoning salt and pepper, if desired. Place the chicken on the preheated grill.
5. Step 5
   Grill the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze.
6. Step 6
   Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with extra glaze on the side, if desired.

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.