Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken Recipe

Get ready to fire up the grill because Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is about to become your new backyard obsession. This recipe is a game-changer, transforming simple chicken breasts into a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. We all love a good grilled chicken, but what makes this particular version so irresistible? It’s the magical fusion of sweet, tangy cherry and the unmistakable, bubbly kick of Dr. Pepper, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, imparting a sticky, irresistible char. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience. The slightly sweet, deeply savory, and wonderfully smoky notes of this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken are perfect for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or any time you crave something truly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Prepare to be amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create such extraordinary flavor.

This recipe is a game-changer for any backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner. The sweet and tangy glaze, infused with the unique flavor of Cherry Dr. Pepper, creates a perfectly caramelized crust on tender, juicy chicken. It’s surprisingly simple to make, but the results are anything but ordinary. Get ready for rave reviews when you serve up this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken!

Ingredients:

Crafting the Cherry Dr. Pepper Glaze

The heart of this recipe lies in its incredibly flavorful glaze. This sweet and savory concoction is easy to whip up and will transform your chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

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. These form the base of our tangy and rich sauce.
2. Add 1 cup of brown sugar to the saucepan. The brown sugar is crucial for achieving that beautiful, sticky caramelization on the grill. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
3. Next, incorporate 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This adds a layer of umami depth that balances the sweetness.
4. Now, let’s bring in the spice and aromatics. Add 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder and black pepper for foundational flavor. Then, introduce 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke for an authentic grilled flavor, even if you’re cooking indoors or on a less smoky grill.
5. Follow with 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder for a subtle warmth and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for that essential aromatic punch. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. 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 it has thickened nicely. You want it to coat the back of a spoon. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a truly delicious glaze. As it simmers, it will reduce and become syrupy. Be sure to stir it periodically to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Preparing the Chicken

While your glaze is simmering and thickening, it’s time to get your chicken ready for the grill.

1. Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step is important for two reasons: it helps the seasoning adhere better and it promotes crispier skin when grilling.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or on a baking sheet. Sprinkle them evenly with 3 teaspoons of seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon of paprika. The seasoning salt will provide a good base of savory flavor, and the paprika adds a touch of color and a mild, earthy note. Gently toss or rub the seasoning into the chicken to ensure each piece is well-coated.

Grilling for Perfection

This is where the magic happens! Grilling imparts that irresistible smoky char and allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want the grill to be hot enough to get a good sear and cook the chicken through, but not so hot that it burns the glaze before the chicken is cooked. If using a gas grill, this is typically around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. For a charcoal grill, you’ll want a good bed of hot coals.
2. Clean your grill grates thoroughly and oil them. This prevents the chicken from sticking, which is especially important with a sticky glaze. You can do this by dipping a folded paper towel in a high-heat oil (like vegetable or canola oil) and using tongs to rub it over the hot grates.
3. Place the seasoned chicken pieces on the preheated grill. Start by grilling them skin-side down if applicable, or with the presentation side down first. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side initially, just to get some color and start the cooking process.
4. Begin extract basting the chicken with the prepared Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. Generously brush the glaze over both sides of the chicken. Continue grilling, turning the chicken every 5-7 minutes and basting each time. The key here is to build up layers of that delicious glaze. You’ll notice the glaze starting to bubble and caramelize. This process will take approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit at its thickest part, and the juices run clear. Be mindful not to overcook, as this can lead to dry chicken. The glaze will become beautifully sticky and slightly charred in places, which is exactly what you’re aiming for.
5. Once the chicken is cooked through 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, resulting in incredibly moist and tender chicken. While it rests, you can even brush on a little extra glaze if you like it extra sticky!

This Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is perfect served with your favorite summer sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or corn on the cob. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a truly sensational Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! This dish is fantastic because it delivers an incredible balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a delightful smoky char from the grill. The unique marinade infuses the chicken with a deep, rich taste that’s both comforting and excitingly different. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time, which is always a win in my book!

I love serving this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken alongside classic barbecue sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh potato salad. Corn on the cob, grilled or boiled, is also a perfect accompaniment. For a lighter option, consider a vibrant green salad with a vinaigrette.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade, or even incorporate a splash of liquid smoke for an extra smoky punch. If you don’t have a grill, this recipe works wonderfully baked in the oven or even cooked in a skillet. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed by the amazing taste and the smiles it brings to your table!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Cherry Dr. Pepper marinade can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit for a day can even deepen the flavors!

What if I don’t have Dr. Pepper?

While Dr. Pepper is key to the signature flavor, you can experiment with other dark sodas like Coca-Cola or even a cherry-flavored soda. The results might be slightly different, but still delicious!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent choice! They tend to stay moister during grilling. Adjust the grilling time as thighs typically take a little longer to cook through than breasts.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

A sweet and tangy grilled chicken recipe made with a unique Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
45 Minutes

Total Time
1 Hours

Servings
12 pieces

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, and paprika. Stir well.
2. Step 2
   Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened. Set aside.
3. Step 3
   Season the chicken pieces generously with seasoning salt.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill to medium heat.
5. Step 5
   Place chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Step 6
   Begin basting the chicken with the Cherry Dr. Pepper sauce. Continue grilling and basting for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice caramelized glaze. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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.