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Grilled Coca Cola Chicken

Grilled Coca Cola Chicken
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Grilled Coca Cola Chicken is a mouthwatering barbecue dish featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful blend of Coca Cola, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. The carbonation and sugars in Coca Cola tenderize the meat and create a perfectly caramelized glaze when grilled. This recipe delivers juicy, savory, and sweet chicken ideal for casual cookouts or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 to 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks

Marinade

  • 1 can (12 fl oz) Coca Cola
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine Coca Cola, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld, creating a balanced marinade that sets the stage for that signature flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a resealable bag or container, pour the marinade over, and coat all pieces evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious Coca Cola goodness while tenderizing the meat perfectly.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking. This heat level is ideal for developing that sweet glaze without burning the sugars upfront.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade (ensure to boil it first if reusing). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is beautifully caramelized.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps retain the juices and ensures each bite stays moist and flavorful. Then, serve with your favorite sides and garnishes.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken to retain moisture and juiciness during grilling.
  • Don’t skip or shorten the marinating time for best flavor and tenderness.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to avoid burning sugar while achieving a nice char.
  • Boil the reserved marinade before using it to baste or as a sauce to ensure food safety.
  • Allow the chicken to rest after grilling to lock in moisture and improve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grilled Coca Cola Chicken, barbecue chicken, sweet chicken marinade, caramelized chicken, easy grilled chicken, summer cookout recipe

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