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Grilled Coca Cola Chicken

Grilled Coca Cola Chicken
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This Grilled Coca Cola Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken infused with a unique sweet and savory caramelized glaze made from Coca Cola and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures restaurant-quality grilled chicken bursting with irresistible flavor every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (about 2 to 3 pounds)

Marinade

  • 1 cup Coca Cola
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together Coca Cola, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, honey or brown sugar, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice until fully blended and the sugar is dissolved. This marinade creates the signature sweet-savory flavor that infuses the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, about 375 to 400°F (190 to 204°C). If using charcoal, set up a two-zone fire with both direct and indirect heat areas to control cooking.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Place skin side down over direct heat and grill 5 to 7 minutes per side until skin is crisp and has grill marks. Then move chicken to indirect heat, cover, and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Serve: Transfer grilled chicken to a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender before serving.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just 2 hours.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks for juicier results compared to breasts.
  • Pat chicken dry before grilling to minimize flare-ups caused by sugary marinade drips.
  • Keep the grill covered during cooking to ensure even heat circulation.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
  • Baste with reserved marinade sparingly to enhance glaze but prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grilled chicken, Coca Cola chicken, sweet and savory chicken, barbecue chicken, easy grilled chicken, summer recipe, juicy chicken

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/grilled-coca-cola-chicken/