Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken

Marlboro Man doesn’t just like Dr Pepper—he downs it almost the second he rolls out of bed every morning. And he's not the only one around here who's a fan. We always have plenty stocked up, which means I’ve found all kinds of fun ways to use it beyond just sipping it ice-cold. One of my favorites is using it to make a sticky-sweet sauce for BBQ chicken!

This Dr Pepper BBQ chicken is rubbed in a tasty spice blend then grilled to juicy perfection while being basted in the sweet and tangy (and just a touch spicy!) homemade sauce, starring none other than Dr Pepper. As the chicken cooks, the sugar in the sauce caramelizes and becomes a sticky, glossy, gorgeous coating. This is one of the best grilled chicken recipes to make with a bunch of summer side dishes like baked beans, potato salad, and fresh corn casserole. And if grilling isn't your thing, don't you worry—there's a handy oven method included too!

Can you use boneless, skinless chicken?

For the best results, stick with bone-in, skin-on chicken for this recipe. The bones and skin protect the meat from drying out as it cooks, leaving you with much more flavorful, juicy meat.

Can you make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes! This sauce will last for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's great on ribs, too!