Grilled Cola Chicken

4.5 from 15 votes

Posted October 31, 2024Last Updated October 31, 2024

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This recipe combines the sweetness of cola with a hint of spice, creating a delicious, sticky glaze for grilled chicken breasts. Perfect any time you’re craving bold barbecue flavors, this easy marinade and basting sauce will add a whole new twist to your usual chicken dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m always looking for easy chicken breast recipes (aren’t we all?) and this Grilled Cola Chicken was a big hit with my family.

We made two batches of the sauce, one with Cheerwine and the other with Pepsi. It was too close to pick a favorite. Such a refreshing change from the typical Cola BBQ sauce that is overly sweet.

Erika

I’m pretty sure it has something to do with the cola infused sauce. It’s so bold and flavorful! In fact, this may just be my new favorite way to grill chicken.

I’m also thinking the amazing barbecue sauce would be great on all kinds of grilled meats. In fact, next time I’m going to double the sauce.

You can make the sauce on it’s own and keep it in the refrigerator for several weeks. So don’t wait to make it just for this recipe. Did I mention the sauce is also delicious for dipping?

This chicken was simple, and so full of flavor. Plus, everyone cleaned their plates. Which makes it a winner in my book. With a nice side salad, this quick and easy chicken dish makes a perfect meal any time of year.

We like to grill year-round, so this recipe is part of the regular rotation. Yes, it gets cold here in Colorado–which is why I send my husband outside to grill in the middle of winter.

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this grilled cola chicken is a great way to add some protein to a salad. And it makes for amazing tacos too.

Ingredients

Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for the most fragrant flavor. If you only have garlic powder on hand, use about 1/4 teaspoon, but fresh is best!
Cola: Cola adds sweetness and acidity, which not only flavors the chicken but also helps tenderize it. Make sure to use a classic cola (not diet or zero-sugar) for the perfect caramelized finish.
Ketchup: Ketchup can vary in sweetness, so taste as you go to balance the flavors. If you like a bit of heat, consider using a spicier ketchup for a subtle kick.
Apple cider vinegar: This ingredient balances the sweetness of the cola and ketchup. Apple cider vinegar has a mild, fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully, but you can use regular white vinegar in a pinch.
Worcestershire sauce: This adds a savory, umami note that gives the sauce extra depth.
Spices: chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper, cumin: This combination of spices give the chicken a bit of a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cola.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar caramelizes as it cooks, helping to create that sticky, glaze-like texture.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb the marinade well, making them ideal for grilling. If you’re using bone-in chicken or thighs, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

How To Make Grilled Cola Chicken

Step 1

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F-400°F.

Step 2

Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce. Set aside 6 tablespoons of the sauce for basting.

Step 3

Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and ground cumin.

Step 4

Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over each piece of chicken.

Step 5

Grill and Baste: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Brush 3 tablespoons of the reserved sauce over the chicken. Grill for about 5 minutes. lip the chicken breasts over and brush with the remaining 3 tablespoons of reserved sauce. Grill for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6

Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with the remaining sauce on the side for extra flavor.

What Should I Serve With Grilled Cola Chicken?

The real question here is what couldn’t you serve with these grilled chicken breasts. The possibilities–from soup and salad, to rice and pasta, to vegetables–are almost endless.

These are some of our favorite side dishes to serve alongside grilled chicken breasts.

Mexican Street Corn Casserole — **Balsamic Roasted Mini Peppers**

Recipe Tips

Regular (not diet) cola works best for this recipe because it contains sugar that caramelizes on the grill. Diet or sugar-free versions just don’t give the same results.
Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers. It should be slightly thick but still pourable to make basting easier.
Just baste the chicken once or twice during grilling. Basting too often can cause the sauce to drip into the flames, potentially charring the chicken.
After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

Be sure to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of soda?

Yes, you can experiment with other sodas! Root beer and Dr. Pepper both have slightly spicy flavors that work well with BBQ-style sauces.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or in a regular skillet on the stovetop. Another option is to broil the chicken in the oven for about 4-5 minutes per side, basting with the sauce as it cooks.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to grill, warm the sauce slightly on the stove to make it easier to baste.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to know if chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. When the thickest part of the chicken breast reaches 165°F, it’s ready to come off the grill.

More Chicken Breast Recipes to Try