Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken Recipe

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is about to become your new summer obsession. Imagin extracte this: succulent chicken thighs, kissed by the grill’s smoky embrace, coated in a glaze that’s both sweet and tangy, with that unmistakable effervescent kick. It’s a flavor combination that sounds a little unusual, but trust me, it’s pure magic. This dish is beloved because it takes the humble grilled chicken to an entirely new level of deliciousness, transforming weeknight dinners into something truly special. The secret? It’s all in the irresistible marinade that infuses every bite with a unique, crowd-pleasing taste. You’ll be asking yourself why you haven’t tried Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken sooner!

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken! This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a flavor explosion that’s perfect for your next backyard barbecue or a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. The sweetness of the Cherry Dr. Pepper, combined with the savory elements of the sauce, creates a sticky, caramelized glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken as it grills. It’s a unique twist on classic grilled chicken that’s sure to become a family favorite.

The magic of this recipe lies in the sauce. We’re using a combination of pantry staples with the star ingredient – Cherry Dr. Pepper – to create a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky glaze. The dark meat chicken is ideal here as it stays incredibly moist and juicy on the grill, making it more forgiving than chicken breast for achieving perfect results. However, if you prefer white meat, you can absolutely use chicken breasts, just be extra careful not to overcook them.

Let’s get started and create something delicious!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Sauce

The first step to unlocking the amazing flavor of this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is to create the signature sauce. This sauce will double as both a marinade and a basting glaze, infusing the chicken with its delightful sweet and savory notes.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the 12 oz can of Cherry Dr. Pepper, 1 cup of ketchup, and the 6 oz can of tomato paste. Stir these together until they are well incorporated.
2. Add the 1 cup of brown sugar to the saucepan. The brown sugar is crucial for creating that sticky, caramelized exterior on the grilled chicken.
3. Next, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This brings a layer of umami and depth to the sauce.
4. Now, let’s add the spices and aromatics. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder for a subtle savory base, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for a touch of heat, and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to give it that irresistible grilled flavor, even if you’re cooking on an indoor grill pan.
5. Add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder for a hint of spice that complements the sweetness, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for that classic garlicky punch.

Once all the ingredients are in the saucepan, place it over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. You’re looking for a consistency that will coat the back of a spoon. This simmering process also helps to meld the flavors together beautifully. As it simmers, the non-alcoholic alternative from the Dr. Pepper will evaporate, leaving behind all the wonderful sweetness and cherry notes. Once it has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and set aside.

Marinating the Chicken

While the sauce is cooling slightly, it’s time to prepare the chicken.

1. Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps any marinade or seasoning to adhere better.
2. In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, place your cut-up chicken.
3. Sprinkle the chicken generously with 3 teaspoons of seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon of paprika. The paprika will add a lovely color and a mild, sweet flavor.
4. Pour about half of the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper sauce over the chicken. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting later.
5. Toss the chicken to ensure each piece is well coated with the sauce and seasonings.
6. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, for 4-6 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the chicken. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating will make a difference.

Grilling the Chicken

Now for the most exciting part – grilling! Make sure your grill is clean and preheated to medium-high heat (around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit).

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
2. Place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill grates. If you’re using a whole cut-up chicken, start with the larger, denser pieces like thighs and drum extractsticks, as they will take longer to cook.
3. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s starting to develop nice grill marks and is cooked about halfway through.
4. During the last 10-15 minutes of grilling, begin extract basting the chicken generously with the reserved Cherry Dr. Pepper sauce. Brush it on liberally, allowing it to caramelize and create that beautiful, sticky glaze. Continue to turn and baste the chicken every few minutes to ensure even cooking and a glossy finish.
5. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) at its thickest part, and the juices run clear. Be careful not to overcook, especially if you’re using chicken breasts, as they can dry out quickly. Dark meat is more forgiving and will stay incredibly tender.

Resting and Serving

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and glazed, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness. Serve this delicious Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken hot, with extra sauce on the side if desired, and enjoy the incredible sweet and smoky flavors! This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled corn.

Conclusion:

There you have it! My Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your backyard barbecue with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of sweet cherry and the unique tang of Dr. Pepper creates a wonderfully caramelized glaze that’s simply irresistible, infusing the chicken with an incredible depth of taste. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of that familiar soda fizz. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a new family favorite!

This Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled vegetables like corn on the cob or asparagus. It also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or creamy potato salad for a complete meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sides!

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a touch of heat, or swap out the cherry for raspberry for a different fruity twist. Experimenting is part of the fun!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinade for this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken can be prepared 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 kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

This recipe is fantastic with chicken thighs or drum extractsticks, as they tend to stay moist and juicy on the grill. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will also work well; just be mindful of grilling times to avoid drying them out.

Can I bake this instead of grilling?

Yes, you can definitely bake this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You might want to broil it for the last few minutes to get a nice caramelized glaze.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

A sweet and savory grilled chicken recipe featuring a unique Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze, perfect for summer barbecues.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
45 Minutes

Total Time
1 Hours

Servings
6-8 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 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
   Continue to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened into a glaze. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
3. Step 3
   While the sauce is simmering, season the chicken pieces generously on all sides with seasoning salt and paprika.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grill grates.
5. Step 5
   Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Step 6
   During the last 10-15 minutes of grilling, generously brush the chicken with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. Continue to grill and baste until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
7. Step 7
   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.