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Grilled Coca Cola Chicken

Grilled Coca Cola Chicken
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Grilled Coca Cola Chicken is a deliciously sweet, smoky, and tender grilled chicken recipe that infuses juicy chicken pieces with the caramelized flavors of Coca Cola. Perfect for BBQs or weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make dish uses simple pantry ingredients to achieve a mouth-watering balance of sweet and savory flavors while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks

Marinade

  • 1 cup Coca Cola
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey as a substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup or tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine Coca Cola, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, ketchup, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended. This marinade provides the signature sweet and savory flavor while tenderizing the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 to 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, about 375-400°F (190-205°C). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Place chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes. Flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes until cooked through, basting occasionally with reserved marinade (boiled first for safety). Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to lock in juices and enhance tenderness before serving.

Notes

  • Use dark meat like thighs or drumsticks for juicier, more flavorful chicken.
  • For thicker pieces, start cooking on indirect heat to avoid burning the sugar in the marinade.
  • Avoid marinating longer than 12 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy due to the acidity.
  • Always boil reserved marinade before using it as a basting sauce to ensure it is safe to consume.
  • Watch for flare-ups on the grill caused by sugar in the marinade and move chicken as needed to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grilled chicken, Coca Cola chicken, BBQ chicken, sweet and smoky chicken, grilled chicken recipe

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