Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken Recipe

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is the smoky, sweet, and utterly addictive dish that will have you dreaming of summer BBQs all year round. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your grilling game and impress your taste buds (and everyone you share it with!), then this recipe is an absolute must-try. We all love a good grilled chicken, but what makes this particular version so special is the unexpected yet brilliant combination of tangy cherries and the distinctive spiced cherry-vanilla flavor of Dr. Pepper. It creates a glaze that is both complex and incredibly easy to achieve, infusing the chicken with a tender, juicy interior and a perfectly caramelized, slightly sticky exterior. Get ready to fire up the grill because this Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is about to become your new go-to favorite.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

Get ready to fire up the grill and impress your taste buds with this incredible Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken! This recipe is a game-changer, transforming simple chicken into a sticky, sweet, and savory masterpiece with a hint of that unique Dr. Pepper magic. The combination of sweet cherry, a touch of spice, and the smoky char from the grill is absolutely divine. It’s perfect for a summer barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or anytime you’re craving something truly delicious. The secret lies in the incredibly easy yet flavor-packed sauce that infuses the chicken with an unforgettable taste.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Dr. Pepper Glaze

The heart of this recipe is the incredible glaze. It’s so simple to make, and the flavor is out of this world. In a medium saucepan, combine the 12 oz can of Cherry Dr. Pepper, 1 cup of ketchup, the 6 oz can of tomato paste, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the brown sugar starts to dissolve. Now, let’s add the flavor boosters: 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Give everything another good stir. 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 about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to thicken slightly, becoming syrupy and luscious. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the liquid to reduce, intensifying its deliciousness. Be careful not to let it boil too vigorously, as it can scorch. This glaze is what will give your chicken that signature sweet and tangy flavor with a wonderful sticky texture.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While your glaze is simmering away, it’s time to get the chicken ready. Whether you’re using a whole chicken cut into pieces or a package of dark meat chicken pieces, make sure they are patted dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for grilling, as it helps to get a nice sear on the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together the 3 teaspoons of seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Generously sprinkle this seasoning mixture all over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s the foundation for the chicken’s savory profile before the sweet glaze takes over. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor distribution.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill and Initial Cook

Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. You’re aiming for a temperature that will give you a nice char without burning the chicken too quickly. Once the grill is hot and ready, place the seasoned chicken pieces directly on the grates. Grill the chicken for about 10-15 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the pieces. You want to achieve some nice grill marks and get the chicken started on its cooking journey. This initial cook will help to cook the chicken through while also developing a beautiful, slightly crispy exterior. Remember to turn the chicken with tongs to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish on the Grill

Now comes the magical part – applying the Cherry Dr. Pepper glaze! After the initial grilling, carefully brush a generous amount of your prepared glaze all over the chicken pieces. Close the grill lid and continue to cook the chicken for another 5-10 minutes per side, basting with more glaze every few minutes. This is where the real magic happens. The sugar in the glaze will caramelize on the grill, creating a beautiful, sticky, and slightly charred coating that is incredibly irresistible. Keep an eye on the chicken during this stage; the glaze can burn quickly due to the sugar content, so a watchful eye and frequent turns are key. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the glaze to be beautifully browned and sticky.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once your Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken is perfectly cooked and beautifully glazed, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is important because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more moist and tender bite. While the chicken is resting, you can take any leftover glaze and warm it up slightly in a saucepan, then drizzle it over the chicken just before serving for an extra burst of flavor. Serve your delicious Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken hot, perhaps with some of your favorite grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or some classic barbecue sides. Enjoy the explosion of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors!

Conclusion:

So there you have it – a recipe for Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! This dish is fantastic because it delivers a unique and irresistible sweet-and-savory flavor profile, with the fruity notes of cherry and the distinctive tang of Dr. Pepper beautifully caramelizing on tender chicken. It’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next barbecue. The vibrant glaze offers a visually appealing and deliciously sticky finish that elevates grilled chicken to a whole new level.

I love serving this Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken alongside creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad for a complete summer meal. For variations, feel free to experiment with different cuts of chicken like thighs or drum extractsticks – they’ll absorb the marinade just as wonderfully. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a hint of heat, or a splash of soy sauce for extra umami. Don’t be afraid to get creative! I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try; I’m confident you’ll fall in love with its unique flavor combination.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cherry Dr. Pepper grilled chicken indoors?

Absolutely! While grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor, you can achieve delicious results indoors. You can pan-sear the chicken in a hot skillet until cooked through, then simmer the remaining marinade in a small saucepan until thickened into a glaze, and brush it over the chicken. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in the oven and then broil it for a few minutes to get some caramelization.

How long does the Cherry Dr. Pepper marinade need to work?

For the best flavor penetration, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the Dr. Pepper and cherry flavors to fully infuse into the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

What if I don’t have cherry Dr. Pepper?

While cherry Dr. Pepper is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute regular Dr. Pepper and add about 1/4 cup of cherry juice or a tablespoon of cherry preserves to the marinade. This will help achieve a similar sweet and fruity dimension.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Grilled Chicken

A sweet and tangy grilled chicken recipe featuring a unique Cherry Dr. Pepper marinade.

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 Cherry Dr. Pepper, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, liquid smoke, chili powder, minced garlic, paprika, and seasoning salt. Stir well.
2. Step 2
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Step 3
   Place chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour about half of the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the marinade from the bag/dish. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting.
5. Step 5
   Grill chicken for about 20-25 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with reserved sauce during the last 10 minutes of grilling.
6. Step 6
   Let the 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.