Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken Recipe

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a summer sensation. Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken infused with the unmistakable sweet and tangy punch of cherry and Dr. Pepper, all kissed by the smoky char of the grill. This dish has become a backyard barbecue legend for a reason. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, yet the flavor profile is so complex and satisfying that it consistently wows guests. The magic lies in the unexpected pairing of a classic soda with savory chicken, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully, locking in moisture and delivering an explosion of sweet, spicy, and fruity notes with every bite. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both exciting and approachable, look no further than this delightful Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken.

This recipe for Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming simple chicken into a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy masterpiece. The secret lies in the glaze, a concoction that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, infusing every bite with incredible flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let’s get grilling!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Cherry Dr. Pepper Glaze

The heart of this recipe is the incredibly flavorful Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. It’s surprisingly simple to make and the combination of ingredients creates a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky 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 wet ingredients together until they are well incorporated. The Dr. Pepper provides a unique sweetness and a hint of cherry flavor that’s essential to this glaze. The ketchup adds a familiar tomato base, and the tomato paste deepens the richness and helps thicken the sauce.

2. Next, we’ll introduce the sweetness and complexity. Add 1 cup of brown sugar to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. The brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the beautiful caramelization on the grill. Then, incorporate 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This adds a savory, umami depth that prevents the glaze from being overly sweet.

3. Now, let’s build the spice profile. Add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder for a subtle savory undertone. Follow with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for a gentle kick. For that smoky essence that mimics slow-cooked barbecue, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke. Be mindful not to overdo the liquid smoke; a little goes a long way in imparting that desirable grilled flavor. Finally, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder for a touch of warmth and complexity, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for a burst of fresh, pungent flavor. Stir all the ingredients together until everything is thoroughly combined.

4. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, 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 chicken nicely without running off. As it simmers, the flavors will meld together beautifully. This thickened glaze will adhere to the chicken and create a delicious, slightly sticky coating when grilled. Set the glaze aside to cool slightly while you prepare the chicken.

Preparing and Grilling the Chicken

With our delicious glaze ready, it’s time to get the chicken prepped and onto the grill for that perfect smoky char.

1. Begin extract by preparing your chicken. Whether you’re using a whole chicken cut into pieces or a package of dark meat chicken like thighs and drum extractsticks, ensure they are patted dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for allowing the seasoning to adhere properly and for achieving a nice sear on the grill. You should aim for about 12 pieces of chicken.

2. Season the chicken generously on all sides with 3 teaspoons of seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon of paprika. The seasoning salt will provide a base layer of savory flavor, while the paprika adds a beautiful reddish hue and a mild, earthy taste. Make sure to coat every piece evenly.

3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to have a hot grill to achieve good searing marks and cook the chicken thoroughly without burning the glaze. Clean your grill grates thoroughly and oil them to prevent the chicken from sticking.

4. Place the seasoned chicken pieces directly on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is mostly cooked through and has developed nice grill marks. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and cut of your chicken.

5. Now comes the most exciting part: glazing! During the last 5-7 minutes of grilling, generously brush the chicken on all sides with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. Continue to grill, turning the chicken occasionally and brushing with more glaze as needed, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the glaze is caramelized and slightly sticky. Be careful not to burn the glaze; the sugars in it can caramelize quickly. If it starts to look like it’s burning, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat slightly.

Let the Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite. Serve hot and enjoy the incredible taste of this unique grilled chicken!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a recipe for Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! This dish is truly fantastic because the sweet and tangy cherry Dr. Pepper marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. The carbonation in the soda helps tenderize the meat, while the cherry flavor provides a unique sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to elevate your grilling game and impress your family and friends with minimal effort.

For serving suggestions, this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or corn on the cob. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or in a sandwich with some crisp lettuce and a creamy sauce. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a touch of heat, or incorporate some smoked paprika for an extra smoky depth. Grilling season is the perfect time to experiment, and I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in advance. Just ensure it’s kept refrigerated during that time. Grilling it closer to serving time will yield the best flavor and texture.

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

Yes, you can definitely bake this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 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 nice caramelization.

What kind of chicken cuts work best?

This marinade is fantastic with chicken breasts, thighs, or even drum extractsticks. Thighs tend to stay more moist, but breasts are also excellent when grilled properly. Adjust grilling or baking times accordingly for different cuts.

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
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 the Cherry Dr. Pepper, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, liquid smoke, chili powder, and minced garlic. Stir well.
2. Step 2
   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. This is your glaze.
3. Step 3
   While the glaze is simmering, pat the chicken pieces dry and season them generously 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 about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Step 6
   During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. Continue to grill, turning and basting, until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
7. Step 7
   Remove chicken from the grill and let it 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.