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.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Grilled Coca Cola Chicken, BBQ chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, Coca Cola marinade, easy chicken recipe