Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken Recipe-Easy & Delicious

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is about to become your new backyard BBQ obsession. There’s something undeniably magical about the sweet, slightly tart burst of cherry combined with the unmistakable kick of Dr. Pepper, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary flavor explosion. Forget bland marinades; this recipe taps into a beloved soda’s unique profile to create a glaze that’s both sticky and savory, with a hint of caramelized goodness. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and smoky, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for picnics, family dinners, or just a weeknight treat. Get ready to impress everyone with the unbelievably delicious flavor of Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

Get ready to fire up the grill and tantalize your taste buds with this incredible Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken! This recipe takes the classic smoky char of grilled chicken and infuses it with a uniquely sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze that’s utterly addictive. The secret ingredient? A can of Cherry Dr. Pepper, which caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a sticky, flavor-packed coating that everyone will rave about. This is perfect for a backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or any occasion where you want to impress without a lot of fuss.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet effective marinade and glaze. We’re not just throwing chicken on the grill; we’re building layers of flavor that will make each bite sing. The combination of sweet brown sugar, savory ketchup, tangy tomato paste, and the unmistakable kick of Cherry Dr. Pepper creates a sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. The Worcestershire sauce adds depth, while the spices provide a subtle warmth that perfectly complements the sweetness. And if you love that deep, smoky flavor, the liquid smoke is your best friend.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

Let’s get started on this flavor adventure! The first step is to create our incredible Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze, which will double as our marinade for part of the cooking process. In a medium saucepan, combine the 12 oz can of Cherry Dr. Pepper, 1 cup of ketchup, the 6 oz can of tomato paste, 1 cup of brown sugar, 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, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld and thicken the sauce into a syrupy glaze that will cling beautifully to the chicken. You’ll notice the aroma is already incredible! Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly.

While your glaze is simmering, prepare your chicken. If you’re using a whole chicken cut up, ensure it’s broken down into manageable pieces like breasts, thighs, drum extractsticks, and wings. If you have a package of dark meat chicken, you’ll want about 12 pieces. Pat all your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes a nice sear on the grill. In a small bowl, mix together the 3 teaspoons of seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Generously season all sides of your chicken pieces with this salt and paprika mixture. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for even flavor distribution.

Now, it’s time to marinate. Take about half of your cooled Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze and pour it over the seasoned chicken in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Toss the chicken to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for even deeper flavor, up to 2 hours. Don’t marinate for too long in the acidic glaze, especially if you’re using chicken breasts, as it can alter the texture of the meat.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want a nice, hot grill so you can get a good sear on the chicken, locking in those juices. Once the grill is heated, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot grill grates. We’ll start by grilling the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the size of the pieces. The goal here is to get a good initial sear and start cooking the chicken through. Keep an eye on it, as flare-ups can happen, especially with a glaze. Move pieces around if they start to brown too quickly.

After the initial grilling and searing, it’s time to baste! Using a pastry brush, generously brush the remaining half of your cooled Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze all over the chicken pieces. Continue grilling the chicken, turning and basting every 5-7 minutes. This repeated basting is what creates that amazing sticky, caramelized coating. The sugars in the glaze will start to brown and caramelize, developing a beautiful, glossy finish. The total grilling time will vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces, but aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for breasts and 175°F (79°C) for thighs and drum extractsticks. Be patient and allow the chicken to cook through completely, ensuring it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. This process typically takes about 25-35 minutes in total, including the basting stages.

Once your Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken has reached the perfect internal temperature and has a beautiful, sticky glaze, carefully remove it from the grill. Let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. You can even brush on a little extra glaze right before serving for that extra wow factor. Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors! This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled corn.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a fantastic recipe for Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken that’s sure to become a summer staple! This dish truly shines with its unique sweet and tangy flavor profile, created by the irresistible combination of cherry and Dr. Pepper. The grilling process imparts a wonderful smoky char, making every bite incredibly flavorful and tender. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for any backyard barbecue or gathering with friends.

I absolutely encourage you to give this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken a try. The ease of preparation, coupled with the explosion of taste, makes it a winner. Serve it up with classic barbecue sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal. For variations, feel free to add a touch of heat by incorporating some chili flakes into the marinade or sauce, or experiment with different fruit-forward sodas for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinade for this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time on grilling day!

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake this chicken?

Yes, you can! While grilling offers that distinct smoky flavor, you can achieve a delicious result by baking. Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You might want to broil it for the last few minutes to get some caramelization.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating time. However, for a deeper flavor infusion, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating for much longer than that, especially with the sugar content from the soda, as it can start to break down the chicken too much.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

A sweet and smoky 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

• 12 oz can Cherry Dr. Pepper
• 1 Cup Ketchup
• 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 Cherry Dr. Pepper, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, liquid smoke, chili powder, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2
   Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in half of the seasoning salt and paprika. Set aside.
3. Step 3
   Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season the chicken evenly with the remaining seasoning salt and paprika.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Step 5
   Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Step 6
   During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. Continue to grill, turning once, until the glaze is caramelized.

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.