Ditch the Ordinary: Dr. Pepper Glazed Chicken for a Grill Night Twist
Calling all grill masters and adventurous foodies! Are you looking to elevate your next barbecue with a unique and flavorful twist? Look no further than this Dr. Pepper Glazed Chicken recipe. This recipe infuses the classic taste of grilled chicken with a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy glaze made with everyone’s favorite soda – Dr. Pepper!
Dr. Pepper Glazed Chicken Recipe: Beyond the Burger
We all love a good burger on the grill, but sometimes, it’s fun to explore new flavor profiles and impress your guests with something unexpected. This Dr. Pepper glazed chicken recipe is the perfect solution. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum taste bud satisfaction.
Big on Flavor: Sweet, Smoky, and a Hint of Spice
The key to this recipe lies in the flavorful Dr. Pepper glaze. It all starts with a base of savory ingredients like tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. The addition of red wine vinegar adds a touch of tanginess, while brown sugar balances things out with a hint of sweetness. And of course, the star of the show – Dr. Pepper – infuses the glaze with its unique blend of spices and caramel notes, creating a smoky depth of flavor.
A Recipe for Success: Simple Steps, Big Rewards
This recipe is approachable even for beginner cooks. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
- Whip up the glaze: Sauté onions and garlic, then add the remaining glaze ingredients. Simmer and blend until smooth.
- Prep the chicken: Season your chicken with your favorite rub (or use the provided recipe for a homemade blend).
- Grill time!: Cook the chicken on your preheated grill, using a can of Dr. Pepper for added moisture (optional).
- Glaze and serve: Baste the chicken with the Dr. Pepper glaze throughout the cooking process, allowing the flavors to develop.
🎬 Watch How to Make This Recipe
Want to see this recipe come to life? Check out this video where I walk you through the entire process, step-by-step!
Tips for the Perfect Dr. Pepper Glazed Chicken:
- Don’t skip the blending: Ensure your glaze is smooth for an even coating on the chicken.
- Spice it up (or down): Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper in the rub to your desired level of heat.
- The leftover Dr. Pepper: Don’t waste it! Enjoy it as a refreshing drink alongside your delicious meal.
More than just a recipe, this Dr. Pepper glazed chicken is an experience. It’s a conversation starter, a flavor explosion, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, fire up your grill, grab a can of Dr. Pepper, and get ready to take your taste buds on a delicious adventure!
More Chicken Recipes
- Huli Huli Chicken
- Spicy Diablo Chicken Sandwich
- Chicken Tacos Al Carbon
- Peach Whiskey Smoked Chicken Legs
- Greek Chicken Souvlaki
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Dr. Pepper Chicken
Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.comIngredients
For the Glaze
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 white onions diced
- 1 tbsp garlic-shallot puree or 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tsp chili powder
- 12 oz tomato paste
- 2 tsp white pepper
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup red wine vinegar
- 2/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cans Dr. Pepper
- 1 can Dr. Pepper reserved for basting
For the Chicken
- 1 whole chicken
- Olive oil
- Your favorite dry rub see recipe below
Dry Rub
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh cracked pepper
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp granulated garlic
- 1 tbsp granulated onion
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
Instructions
Make the Glaze
- Melt the butter in a stock pot over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic-shallot puree (or minced garlic) and chili powder. Cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add remaining glaze ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, white pepper, salt, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and 2 cans of Dr. Pepper. Increase heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the sauce reduces and thickens.
Blend the Glaze
- Use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside a small amount of sauce for later use.
Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your grill (charcoal or gas) for medium heat. Coat the chicken with olive oil and your chosen dry rub, ensuring it's well coated. You can also add some rub under the skin for extra flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Place a can of Dr. Pepper on your beer can chicken stand and top it with the seasoned chicken. Grill for about 30 minutes.
Glaze and Serve
- Brush the chicken generously with the Dr. Pepper glaze. Continue basting every few minutes until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- Serve the Dr. Pepper glazed chicken with additional sauce on the side, if desired.
Watch My Video
Notes
* The reserved Dr. Pepper can be used as a refreshing drink alongside your meal.
* Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper in the dry rub to your spice preference.
This video has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. You can pick up the Kingsford & Dr Pepper, and most of these ingredients at Walmart.