Description
Savor the smoky-sweet flavors of Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken, a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, spice-rubbed chicken with a unique cola-infused barbecue sauce for a delightful summer meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 to 4 pound whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cola BBQ Sauce:
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2/3 cup cola (Dr Pepper, Coke, Root Beer, etc.)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Spatchcock the chicken by removing the backbone and flattening it. Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken on both sides, focusing on the skin.
- Preheat and Set Up the Grill: Heat the grill to its highest setting, then turn off the center burner and reduce side burners to medium heat, aiming for 350-400°F.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken skin-side up on the center of the grill. Close the lid and grill for 50-60 minutes.
- Apply BBQ Sauce: After 40 minutes, start brushing the chicken with the Cola BBQ sauce every few minutes.
- Check for Doneness: Remove the chicken when its internal temperature reaches 160-165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving with additional BBQ sauce.
- Prepare Cola BBQ Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 30-60 minutes until thickened. Cool before using.
Notes
- For best results, bring the chicken to room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling.
- The Cola BBQ sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Adjust grill temperature as needed to maintain 350-400°F throughout cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 165mg