This grilled chicken recipe delivers bold summer flavor with a sweet-and-tangy twist. Juicy chicken is grilled to perfection and finished with a homemade Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ sauce—rich, sticky, and full of fruity, smoky goodness.

If you’re new here, you might not know I have a soft spot for Dr Pepper—especially Cherry Dr Pepper. After a brief (and unsuccessful) attempt to switch to water, I celebrated by making this Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ chicken. The soda adds a unique depth and sweetness to the sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken.

My family adored this dish. The combination of slow-baked, then grilled chicken brushed with the sticky Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ sauce created a tender, flavorful result that disappeared fast.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lb) cut up, or a package of dark meat pieces (legs and thighs)
• 3 teaspoons seasoned all-purpose salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Ingredients for Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

• 12 ounces Cherry Dr Pepper
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

How to Make Cherry Dr Pepper Chicken

This recipe uses a two-step cooking method: slow baking to render fat and cook through, then finishing on the grill for a crisp, charred exterior. Pre-cooking prevents flare-ups and helps ensure the inside is fully cooked while the skin crisps on the grill.

Baking Chicken Instructions

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Line a 9 x 13 baking dish with foil for easier cleanup. Season the chicken lightly with freshly ground pepper, then sprinkle with the seasoned salt and paprika mixture. Cover with foil and bake at 250°F for 2–3 hours until cooked through.

After baking, turn the oven off and let the chicken cool completely in the dish. Cooling firms the meat so it holds together on the grill. When cool, transfer the pieces to a platter and get ready to grill.

Tip: Dark meat holds up better to the long, low bake and is less likely to dry out than white meat.

Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce Instructions

While the chicken bakes, make the sauce. Combine the Cherry Dr Pepper, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, black pepper, liquid smoke, chili powder, and minced garlic in a large saucepan.

Whisk to combine, then simmer over very low heat for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces by about half. As it cooks the flavors concentrate and the sauce becomes glossy and sticky.

Cool slightly, then transfer the sauce to an airtight container. You can grill with the sauce warm, but if you’re storing it, cool completely and refrigerate—it will keep up to two weeks.

Tip: Make a double batch and save extra sauce; it’s great on other grilled meats and sandwiches.

How to Grill Chicken

Preheat and clean the grill, then oil the grates. Heat to about 300°F (medium). Place the chicken skin-side down and brush the exposed side with Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ sauce. Flip gently and brush the other side. Grill until the skin develops a light char and the sauce caramelizes to your liking—how dark the char gets is up to you.

Keep a spray bottle of water nearby for any flare-ups from dripping fat. Brush the chicken with additional sauce once or twice while grilling for a glossy, saucy finish. Remove to a platter and brush once more before serving.

This chicken is tender and flavorful—perfect served with baked beans, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad. It’s an ideal main for summer gatherings and holidays, though it’s delicious any time of year. Don’t expect many leftovers!

Favorite Grilling Recipes

• Grilled London Broil Recipe
• Best Grilled Tri-Tip Recipe
• Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich
• Grilled Honey Garlic Bone-In Pork Chops

Everyone will love this sticky, flavorful Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ sauce. If possible, double the batch so you have extra to serve alongside the chicken for drizzling.

Happy grilling!

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