Grilled Coca-Cola Chicken
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a smoky, tangy-sweet glaze made from Coca-Cola, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- to taste serving Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs You can also use chicken breasts or drumsticks.
Glaze
- 6 cups Coca-Cola
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce Substitute with gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp. ketchup
- 1 Tbsp. light brown sugar
- 1 zest and juice lime Add for extra flavor.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt Additional seasoning for glaze.
- as needed serving Neutral oil For grilling.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine 2 tsp. kosher salt, 2 tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Gently rub the chicken thighs with the spice blend, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Glaze Preparation
- In a pot, pour the 6 cups of Coca-Cola and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
- Whisk in 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce, 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tbsp. ketchup, 1 Tbsp. light brown sugar, lime zest and juice, and an additional 1/2 tsp. of kosher salt.
Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil.
- Drizzle a light brush of oil over the marinated chicken and coat generously with the Coca-Cola glaze.
- Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side, flipping occasionally and brushing with more glaze until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Grilled Coca-Cola Chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with side dishes like grilled vegetables, fresh salads, or rice. Allowing enough time for the marinade is crucial for flavor enhancement. Avoid rushing the cooking process to prevent burning.