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Grilled Coca Cola Chicken

Grilled Coca Cola Chicken

Grilled Coca Cola Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines sweet, smoky, and tangy elements, where Coca Cola’s caramel notes tenderize and glaze the chicken, creating a juicy and irresistible meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners or outdoor BBQ gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Chicken thighs or breasts (choose preferred cut)

Marinade

  • 1 cup Coca Cola
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine Coca Cola, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors fully penetrate.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Get your grill heated to medium-high. This heat level is just right for caramelizing the marinade without burning the sugars in the Coca Cola.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Baste the chicken periodically with leftover marinade to build a glossy, sticky coating.
  5. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken to lock in moisture and enhance flavor during grilling.
  • Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken for basting to avoid contamination.
  • Monitor grill temperature closely; medium-high heat is ideal to prevent burning the sugar in the marinade.
  • Don’t skip the resting step to ensure juicy, tender chicken.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grilled Coca Cola Chicken, BBQ chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, Coca Cola marinade, easy chicken recipe