Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken- Easy & Delicious

Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken is about to become your new warm-weather obsession. Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken infused with a sweet and tangy glaze, kissed by the smoky char of the grill. It’s a flavor combination that just works, offering a delightful departure from your usual barbecue fare. What’s not to love about this dish? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings. The secret lies in the simple yet revolutionary marinade: the effervescent, cherry-infused sweetness of Dr. Pepper, balanced with a touch of tartness that tenderizes the chicken beautifully. This isn’t just grilled chicken; it’s an experience. The vibrant glaze caramelizes perfectly on the grill, creating irresistible crispy edges and a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds of this amazing Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken.

this Recipe

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken! This recipe takes simple grilled chicken to a whole new level with a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. It’s the perfect dish for a backyard barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or whenever you’re craving something a little out of the ordinary. The secret ingredient? A can of Cherry Dr. Pepper, which provides a unique sweetness and depth to the marinade and glaze. Don’t be surprised when this becomes your new go-to grilled chicken recipe – it’s that good!

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Dr. Pepper Glaze

This is where the magic happens! 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. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened to your desired consistency. You’re looking for a nice, syrupy texture that will coat the chicken beautifully. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously, as this can cause it to scorch. This thickened glaze will be your flavor powerhouse. Set aside about half of this delicious glaze to serve as a finishing sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While your glaze is simmering, it’s time to get the chicken ready. If you’re using a whole chicken cut up, make sure it’s cut into about 8-10 pieces (breasts, thighs, drum extractsticks, wings). If you have a package of dark meat chicken, you’ll likely have around 12 pieces. Pat all of your chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for grilling, as it helps to achieve a nice sear and prevents the chicken from steaming. Once dry, generously season both sides of each chicken piece with the seasoning salt and paprika. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. You can do this in a large bowl or directly on a baking sheet. This initial seasoning will provide a foundational flavor to the chicken before it even hits the glaze.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Now, let’s get that chicken soaking up all those amazing flavors. Place the seasoned chicken pieces into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour about half of the remaining (unsweetened) Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze over the chicken. Ensure that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally 2-4 hours. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight. The acidity in the Dr. Pepper and the other glaze ingredients will help to tenderize the chicken, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want the grill grates to be hot enough to get a good sear but not so hot that the glaze burns before the chicken is cooked through. Lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade. Place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the pieces, until the chicken is mostly cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Grilling

This is the final, most delicious step! During the last 10-15 minutes of grilling, generously brush the chicken pieces with the reserved Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze. Continue to grill, turning the chicken occasionally and basting with more glaze, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the glaze is caramelized and slightly sticky. Be watchful during this stage, as the sugars in the glaze can burn quickly. You want a beautiful, glossy finish, not a burnt one. If the glaze starts to brown too rapidly, you can move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the grill temperature slightly.

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and moist final product. Serve the Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken hot, with the extra reserved glaze on the side for dipping. This chicken pairs wonderfully with all your favorite summer sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and smoky goodness!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a foolproof guide to creating delicious Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken! This recipe is a game-changer for any backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner. The magic lies in the sweet and tangy glaze, a delightful fusion of cherry and Dr. Pepper that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor. It’s incredibly satisfying to pull off perfectly grilled chicken that’s both juicy and packed with taste. I truly encourage you to give this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken a try; you won’t be disappointed!

For serving, I love pairing this chicken with classic summer sides like corn on the cob, a fresh potato salad, or a vibrant coleslaw. It also works wonderfully over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside grilled vegetables. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could add a pinch of chili powder to the marinade for a touch of heat, or even swap out the cherries for another berry like raspberries. The possibilities are endless, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken indoors?

Absolutely! While grilling offers a fantastic smoky flavor, you can adapt this recipe for indoor cooking. Pan-sear the chicken in a hot skillet until cooked through, basting it with the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at around 400°F (200°C), basting periodically.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor penetration, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, for an even more intense taste, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Just be mindful of longer marination times with acidic ingredients, as they can start to break down the chicken’s texture.

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

This recipe is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully with various cuts of chicken. Chicken thighs are particularly forgiving and tend to stay very juicy, making them a top choice. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even chicken wings will also yield delicious results, though cooking times may vary.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

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

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 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.
2. Step 2
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Step 3
   Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour about half of the cooled sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. Step 4
   Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the remaining marinade.
6. Step 6
   Grill the chicken for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and juices run clear. Brush with reserved sauce during the last few minutes of grilling, if desired.

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.