Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken Recipe

Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken is the flavor explosion your summer cookouts have been waiting for! Forget bland, boring chicken; this recipe transforms simple poultry into a sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible masterpiece. There’s a reason this dish has become a backyard barbecue legend. The magic lies in the unexpected pairing of smoky grilled chicken with the distinct, effervescent cherry notes of Dr. Pepper, creating a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s simply addictive. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just a hint of fizz that elevates it beyond the ordinary. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken – it’s guaranteed to be a hit, every single time.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a truly unique and unbelievably delicious grilled chicken recipe. We’re talking about a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky glaze that clings to perfectly grilled chicken, creating a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. This Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is surprisingly easy to make and is sure to become a summer grilling favorite. The secret ingredient? A can of Cherry Dr. Pepper, which, when simmered down with other flavor boosters, creates a magical glaze that’s both complex and utterly craveable. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory with just a hint of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients:

Creating the Cherry Dr. Pepper Glaze

The foundation of this incredible dish is the glaze, and it’s where the magic truly happens. We’ll start by combining all our glaze ingredients in a saucepan and letting them simmer to perfection. This process allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken into a rich, syrupy consistency that will coat your chicken beautifully.

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, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir these ingredients together until well combined.
2. Add the 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 to the saucepan. The liquid smoke is key here for that authentic grilled flavor, even if you’re grilling indoors or can’t get a heavy smoke going. The chili powder adds a subtle warmth that complements the sweetness of the Dr. Pepper and brown sugar.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the glaze to thicken considerably. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely. As it thickens, the intense sweetness of the Dr. Pepper will mellow, and the other flavors will become more pronounced. You’ll notice a rich, dark color developing. Don’t rush this step; patience here will be rewarded with a superior glaze.

Preparing the Chicken

While the glaze is simmering, it’s time to get your chicken ready for the grill. We want to ensure it’s seasoned beautifully and ready to absorb all that wonderful flavor. Using dark meat chicken is highly recommended for grilling as it stays incredibly moist and tender, even with longer cooking times. A whole chicken cut into pieces also works wonderfully.

4. Pat your chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a good sear on the grill and ensuring the seasoning adheres properly. In a small bowl, combine the 3 teaspoons of seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Generously season all sides of your chicken pieces with this mixture. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. The seasoning salt will provide a savory base, while the paprika adds a lovely color and a hint of earthy flavor.

Grilling the Cherry Dr. Pepper Chicken

Now for the main event – grilling! We’ll get our grill nice and hot and then cook the chicken, basting it with our delicious glaze as it cooks to create that beautiful, sticky, caramelized finish.

5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the seasoned chicken pieces directly on the grates. Close the lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is mostly cooked through and has developed nice grill marks.
6. Now it’s time to glaze! Start basting the chicken generously with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. Continue to grill, turning and basting frequently, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the glaze is sticky and caramelized. Be careful not to burn the glaze, as the sugars can caramelize quickly. If you notice areas browning too fast, you can move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. The glaze will become wonderfully sticky, creating that irresistible sweet and tangy coating.
7. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection and beautifully glazed, 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, ensuring a tender and juicy bite. You can even drizzle a little extra warm glaze over the chicken just before serving for an extra punch of flavor.

This Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is a fantastic dish for backyard barbecues, casual weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss. Serve it with your favorite grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a fresh side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and smoky goodness!

Conclusion:

This Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken recipe truly is a game-changer for your summer cookouts and weeknight meals alike. The sweet and tangy cherry Dr. Pepper marinade creates an incredibly tender and flavorful chicken that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of that unmistakable Dr. Pepper kick that will have everyone asking for seconds. I’ve found it pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or even a simple corn on the cob. For an extra touch, try topping your grilled chicken with some grilled pineapple rings or a dollop of creamy avocado salsa. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite herbs in the marinade, perhaps adding a touch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken a try – it’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe indoors?

Absolutely! While grilling is ideal for that smoky char, you can achieve a similar result by pan-searing the chicken in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through and nicely browned. You can also bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What if I don’t have Dr. Pepper?

You can substitute with another dark, sweet soda like Cherry Coke or even root non-alcoholic beer. The key is a carbonated beverage with some sweetness and flavor complexity. You might need to adjust the sweetness slightly depending on your chosen substitute.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor penetration, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating for much longer than 24 hours, as the acidity in the soda can start to break down the chicken too much, leading to a mushy texture.

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
12 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, seasoning salt, and paprika. Stir well.
2. Step 2
   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened 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 pepper.
5. Step 5
   Grill the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Step 6
   During the last 5-10 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze.
7. Step 7
   Remove from grill and let 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.