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Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 39 reviews
  • Author: Susan
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken recipe features a whole spatchcocked chicken grilled to perfection with a sweet and tangy homemade cola BBQ sauce. The indirect grilling method ensures juicy, flavorful chicken with a smoky crust, enhanced by a unique sauce made with cola, honey, and spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Spice Rub

  • 3 to 4 pound whole chicken
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cola BBQ Sauce

  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 2/3 cup cola (such as Dr Pepper, Coke, or Root Beer)
  • ½ cup honey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill: Preheat your grill to the highest setting to get it hot and ready for indirect grilling.
  2. Prepare chicken: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes for even cooking.
  3. Spatchcock chicken: Using sharp kitchen shears, cut out the backbone of the chicken on both sides and flatten it by pressing down firmly on the breastbone to create an even cooking surface.
  4. Apply spice rub: Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle some under the skin, then place the chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet or cutting board and sprinkle the remaining spice mixture all over the skin and under the skin if desired.
  5. Set grill for indirect heat: Turn off the center burner of your grill and set the side burners to medium heat to maintain a temperature between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjust burners as needed.
  6. Grill chicken: Place the chicken on the grill directly over the turned-off center burner, skin side up. Close the lid and cook for 50 to 60 minutes. Starting at 40 minutes, brush the chicken two to three times with the prepared cola BBQ sauce, closing the lid after each brushing. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Rest chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining BBQ sauce.
  8. Prepare cola BBQ sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together ketchup, cola, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool to thicken further.
  9. Store sauce: Transfer the sauce to a jar or sealed container and refrigerate. It will keep for about one week.

Notes

  • Spatchcocking the chicken helps it cook more evenly and faster on the grill.
  • If you don’t have a whole chicken, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts but adjust grilling time accordingly.
  • Using a meat thermometer is critical to ensure the chicken is safely cooked but not dry.
  • The cola BBQ sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
  • Choose a cola with flavor you enjoy as it will influence the sauce’s sweetness and character.
  • For a smokier taste, consider adding a small amount of liquid smoke or using smoked paprika in the rub and sauce.

Find it online: https://stoveandlove.com/grilled-cola-bbq-chicken-recipe/