Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken Recipe-Sweet Smoky

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is about to become your new summer obsession. Forget boring weeknight dinners; this recipe delivers a burst of unforgettable flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. What is it about this magical combination? It’s that perfect sweet and tangy glaze, infused with the distinctive cherry notes of Dr. Pepper, that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating an irresistible sticky exterior. It’s a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting, reminiscent of childhood barbecue memories but with an elevated, grown-up twist. This Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms simple chicken into something truly spectacular. Get ready to fire up the grill and impress your taste buds!

this Recipe

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

This recipe is a true game-changer for your next backyard barbecue. Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken with a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky glaze that has a hint of cherry and that unmistakable Dr. Pepper kick. It’s surprisingly easy to put together, and the results are consistently delicious. The magic lies in the simple yet flavorful marinade and glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on creating this incredibly flavorful chicken. The first step is to prepare our amazing sauce, which doubles as both a marinade and a glaze.

Making the Cherry Dr. Pepper Glaze

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. Whisk these together until they are well incorporated.
2. Next, add the 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. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are blended smoothly.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to thicken slightly, which will take about 10-15 minutes. As it simmers, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating that distinctive Cherry Dr. Pepper taste. Once it has thickened to your desired consistency – it should coat the back of a spoon – remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This is your delicious glaze!

Preparing the Chicken

1. If you are using a whole chicken cut up, ensure all the pieces are clean and patted dry with paper towels. If you are using a package of dark meat chicken, like thighs or drum extractsticks, do the same. This drying step is important for allowing the seasoning to adhere better.
2. In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, place all your chicken pieces. Sprinkle them generously with the 3 teaspoons of seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. This initial seasoning provides a great base flavor before the glaze even touches the chicken.

Marinating and Grilling the Chicken

1. Once your glaze has cooled down a bit, pour about half of it over the seasoned chicken pieces. Toss the chicken gently to ensure every piece is well-coated with this sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. Reserve the remaining half of the glaze for basting during the grilling process.
2. Cover the bowl or seal the plastic bag and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for an even deeper flavor, up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate the meat, making it incredibly succulent.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to have a properly preheated grill to get a nice sear on the chicken and prevent sticking. You can clean your grill grates and then lightly oil them to further ensure easy removal of the chicken.
4. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces on the preheated grill. Discard any leftover marinade that was in contact with the raw chicken. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the pieces.
5. During the last 10-15 minutes of grilling, start basting the chicken generously with the reserved Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. Brush it on generously, letting it caramelize slightly on the heat. Flip the chicken and baste the other side. Continue to grill, basting periodically, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear and the glaze is sticky and slightly charred in places. The sugars in the glaze can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it and adjust the heat if necessary. You might want to move pieces to a cooler part of the grill if they are browning too fast.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even more tender and moist chicken. Serve hot with your favorite sides, and prepare for compliments!

Conclusion:

So there you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to elevate your grilling game! This Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken recipe truly shines with its unique sweet and tangy profile, courtesy of the beloved soda. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss. The marinade tenderizes the chicken beautifully, resulting in incredibly juicy and delicious results every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this fantastic recipe; it’s remarkably forgiving and adaptable!

Serving this grilled chicken is a breeze. It pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter option. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside some grilled sweet potatoes or baked beans. If you’re feeling adventurous, try grilling some pineapple slices alongside the chicken for an extra tropical twist.

I truly encourage you to give this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken a try. You might be surprised by how easy it is to achieve such a complex and satisfying flavor. It’s a recipe that will quickly become a go-to in your summer rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use diet Cherry Dr. Pepper?

Absolutely! While the sugar in regular Cherry Dr. Pepper contributes to caramelization and a slightly thicker glaze, you can definitely use diet Cherry Dr. Pepper for a lower-sugar option. The flavor profile will still be delicious, though the sauce might be a little less viscous. You may want to reduce the simmering time slightly if you’re aiming for a thinner glaze.

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

Yes, you can! For baking, place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-35 minutes, or until cooked through, basting with the reserved marinade during the last 10 minutes. For pan-frying, cook the chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure to reduce the marinade separately in a saucepan to create a glaze.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

A sweet and tangy grilled chicken recipe made with Cherry Dr. Pepper, ketchup, and brown sugar for a delicious glaze.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
40 Minutes

Total Time
55 Minutes

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, minced garlic, paprika, and seasoning salt. Stir until well combined.
2. Step 2
   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a glaze.
3. Step 3
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Step 4
   Season the chicken pieces generously with additional seasoning salt and black pepper.
5. Step 5
   Grill the chicken for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Step 6
   During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken liberally with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze.
7. Step 7
   Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving with extra glaze on the side.

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.