Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Grilled Coca Cola Chicken

Grilled Coca Cola Chicken

  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Grilled Coca Cola Chicken recipe offers a juicy, tender chicken infused with a unique caramelized sweetness from Coca Cola combined with savory soy sauce and garlic. Perfect for BBQs or weeknight dinners, it’s easy to prepare, flavorful, and kid-friendly, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Marinade

  • 1 cup Coca Cola
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if desired)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes for a mild kick

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the Coca Cola, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, approximately 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking and to help create a beautiful crust.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken skin-side down first on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping carefully, until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
  5. Baste and Glaze: In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade that has been boiled for safety or a mixture of additional Coca Cola and brown sugar. This will create a sticky, caramelized glaze on the chicken.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest off the heat for 5 minutes to lock in juices and maximize flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption and juiciness.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for better moisture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the grill to ensure even cooking and excellent char.
  • Always boil leftover marinade before using it to baste, as raw marinade contains chicken juices.
  • Watch for flare-ups on the grill due to the sugar content; move chicken as needed.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or drumstick
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Grilled chicken, Coca Cola chicken, BBQ chicken, sweet and savory chicken, juicy grilled chicken, easy chicken recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

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