Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken-Sweet & Smoky Recipe

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is about to become your new go-to for summer cookouts and weeknight dinners alike. There’s something undeniably magical about the way that familiar sweet and tangy Dr. Pepper, infused with a hint of cherry, transforms simple chicken into an explosion of irresistible flavor. Why do we all go so wild for this dish? It’s the perfect balance of savory chicken and that unique, crowd-pleasing sweet-and-salty glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. It’s that unexpected twist on classic grilled chicken that sparks joy with every bite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this incredibly simple yet remarkably delicious Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken!

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Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this incredibly flavorful Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken! This recipe is a backyard barbecue showstopper, combining the sweet and tangy notes of Cherry Dr. Pepper with classic BBQ ingredients to create a sticky, savory, and utterly irresistible glaze. The cherry soda not only tenderizes the chicken but also imparts a subtle fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the smoky char from the grill. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a delicious weeknight meal with a twist, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get started on creating this culinary masterpiece!

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Phase 1: Crafting the Cherry Dr. Pepper Glaze

The secret to this amazing chicken lies in the homemade glaze. It’s super simple to put together and the aroma as it simmers is heavenly.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the 12 oz can of Cherry Dr. Pepper, 1 cup of ketchup, 1 – 6 oz. can of tomato paste, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and there are no lumps of tomato paste or brown sugar. The brown sugar will dissolve as it heats, creating that beautiful sticky texture.
2. Add in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp. onion powder, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke, 1/2 tsp. chili powder, and 1 tsp. minced garlic. The liquid smoke adds a wonderful smoky depth that really enhances the grilled flavor, even before it hits the grill. Stir all these ingredients into the sauce.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once it begin extracts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened to your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon nicely, but still pourable. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the cherry soda will reduce slightly, concentrating its sweetness and tang. Be patient here; this step is crucial for flavor development. You can even taste it at this stage and adjust seasonings if you like, perhaps a pinch more chili powder for heat or a touch more brown sugar if you prefer it sweeter.

Phase 2: Preparing the Chicken

While the glaze is simmering and thickening, it’s time to get the chicken ready. The type of chicken you choose can impact cooking time, so keep that in mind. Dark meat, like thighs and drum extractsticks, tends to stay more moist and forgiving on the grill.

4. Take your chicken pieces (either a whole chicken cut up or about 12 pieces of dark meat chicken) and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a really important step for grilling, as it helps the skin get nice and crispy and allows the seasonings to adhere better. In a small bowl, mix together 3 teaspoons of seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Generously sprinkle this seasoning mixture all over the chicken pieces, making sure to coat them evenly. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it forms the base flavor layer before the glaze comes into play.

Phase 3: Grilling to Perfection

Now for the fun part – grilling! Grilling adds that essential smoky char and makes the glaze wonderfully caramelized.

5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the seasoned chicken pieces directly on the hot grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side for pieces like breasts or thighs, and potentially a bit longer for larger cuts like drum extractsticks, or until the chicken is mostly cooked through and has developed some nice grill marks. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces, as well as the heat of your grill.
6. Once the chicken is nearly cooked (internal temperature should be around 160°F for breasts and 170°F for thighs), begin extract to brush it generously with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. Continue to grill, turning the chicken occasionally and basting with more glaze, for another 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze is sticky and caramelized, and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F for breasts and 175°F for thighs). Be careful not to burn the glaze, as the sugar content can cause it to caramelize quickly. You might need to move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if it starts to brown too fast. Basting multiple times during this final stage is key to achieving that wonderfully sticky, flavorful coating.
7. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection and beautifully 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 meat, ensuring every bite is moist and tender. Serve your delicious Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken with your favorite barbecue sides and enjoy the amazing flavors you’ve created!

Conclusion:

So there you have it – a recipe for Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken that’s guaranteed to be a hit! This dish is fantastic because it strikes that perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory, with the unique cherry Dr. Pepper glaze caramelizing beautifully on the grill. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or backyard BBQs alike. I love serving this delicious grilled chicken alongside a fresh corn salad, creamy coleslaw, or even just some simple grilled vegetables. For variations, feel free to experiment with adding a touch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the marinade for a little heat. Don’t be afraid to get creative! I truly hope you give this Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for several hours, or even overnight, in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to grill it thoroughly before serving.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can achieve a similar result by baking the chicken in the oven. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, basting with the remaining glaze during the last 5-10 minutes.

Can I use a different type of soda?

While Cherry Dr. Pepper is what gives this recipe its signature flavor, you could experiment with other cherry-flavored sodas or even a classic Dr. Pepper. The sweetness and carbonation are key components, so a similar bubbly, sweet beverage should work well.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

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

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
45 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 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. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
2. Step 2
   If using a whole chicken, cut it into 8 pieces. If using pre-cut dark meat chicken, ensure you have about 12 pieces.
3. Step 3
   Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour about half of the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5
   Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the excess marinade. Place chicken on the preheated grill.
6. Step 6
   Grill the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, flipping every 5-7 minutes, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved sauce.
7. Step 7
   Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

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.