Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken

When that sweet and tangy aroma fills the kitchen, you know something delicious is about to happen. Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a homemade BBQ sauce crafted from Cherry Dr Pepper for a uniquely flavorful twist. This recipe takes about an hour, including marination time, and the balance of sweetness and tangy flavor makes it simply irresistible.

This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any occasion that calls for a mouthwatering meal. You can easily prepare the BBQ sauce in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The Cherry Dr Pepper adds a unique depth of flavor.
• Grilling gives the chicken a perfectly charred texture.
• The marinade ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
• Simple preparation makes it great for busy evenings.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to make your BBQ chicken come to life.

For the BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup Cherry Dr Pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil for grilling

You can use any soda for a different flavor profile.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use chicken thighs for more moisture.
• Swap brown sugar with honey for a lighter sweetness.
• Use apple juice instead of vinegar for less tartness.
• Replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a different umami flavor.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to create your Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken.

Mix the BBQ sauce

In a bowl, mix together Cherry Dr Pepper, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the BBQ sauce.

Marinate the chicken

Marinate the chicken breasts in half of the BBQ sauce for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Preheat the grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush it with olive oil.

Grill the chicken

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Brush on remaining sauce

In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken.

Remove and rest

Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture will suffer.
Reheat: Use the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

Tips for Best Results

• Let the chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor.
• Ensure the grill is preheated for better searing.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken.
• Experiment with spice levels by adding hot sauce to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pair with cornbread for a classic BBQ experience.
• Enjoy with a crisp side salad to balance the flavors.