Description
How to make Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken with a sweet, sticky cherry glaze that’s unbelievably delicious and easy.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Components:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 ½ cups Dr Pepper (original, not diet)
- ½ cup cherry preserves
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Flavor Builders:
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Seasonings & Spices:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Mix Liquids: In a bowl, combine Dr Pepper, cherry preserves, ketchup, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This forms the delicious base for your Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken marinade. Whisk well to ensure everything is incorporated smoothly.
- Whisk Spices: Now, whisk in the brown sugar, minced garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and grated fresh ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves and all the aromatic flavors are fully blended into the liquid mixture.
- Marinate Chicken: Pour half of the marinade over the chicken thighs in a shallow dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, letting the chicken soak up those delicious flavors. This ensures a tender Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken.
- Simmer Glaze: Transfer the remaining half of the marinade to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a sticky, glossy glaze. This concentrated goodness is key for your Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken.
- Grill & Baste: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, basting frequently with the reduced glaze during the last few minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is beautifully caramelized.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the grilled Cherry Dr Pepper Grilled Chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy, flavorful results. Garnish as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Always use original Dr Pepper; diet soda won’t caramelize. Simmer glaze gently, stirring often to prevent burning.
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Discard if it smells sour.
Avoid substituting original Dr Pepper; diet or other sodas will not caramelize correctly or offer the same unique flavor.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh cherries or parsley. It pairs deliciously with crisp coleslaw or roasted sweet potatoes.
Marinate chicken up to 4 hours ahead. Prepare the glaze up to 2 days prior and refrigerate, reheating gently.
**Allergy Information:** Soy, Gluten, Fish