If you’re after a BBQ chicken recipe that nails that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy with a little surprise twist, you’ve got to try my Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe. This recipe brings a delicious cola-infused BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the chicken the most incredible flavor and juicy tenderness every time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever grilled chicken without the magic of cola in your life!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Twist: The cola in the BBQ sauce adds a caramelized sweetness that takes classic grilled chicken to a whole new level.
Moist and Juicy Chicken: Spatchcocking the chicken helps it cook evenly and stay juicy without long grilling times.
Easy to Follow Steps: Whether you’re new to grilling or a seasoned pro, the instructions walk you through everything for awesome results.
Make-Ahead Sauce: The cola BBQ sauce can be made ahead and kept refrigerated, so grilling day is super smooth.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe plays a special role—from the spices that bring smoky warmth to the cola that adds both sweetness and depth. Here are a few insider tips before you hit the store.

Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe - Ingredients

Whole chicken: Buying a fresh whole chicken around 3 to 4 pounds is perfect for spatchcocking, which improves cooking speed and evenness.
Brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create a beautifully caramelized crust on the chicken skin.
Smoked paprika: Gives that subtle smoky flavor without needing a smoker—you can even adjust the amount depending on how smoky you like it.
Garlic powder: A kitchen staple that enhances savory depth throughout the chicken and sauce.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
Ketchup: Forms the base of the cola BBQ sauce providing a tangy sweetness to balance the other elements.
Cola (e.g., Coke, Dr Pepper, or Root Beer): The star ingredient in the sauce, it adds fizz, sweetness, and a slight caramel flavor—choose your favorite!
Honey: Amplifies the sweetness and gives the sauce a luscious texture for glazing.
Minced garlic: Adds fresh pungency, elevating the sauce aroma.
Apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness of the cola and honey.
Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of tang and complexity that rounds out the sauce flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Deep umami notes that give the sauce richness.
Onion powder: Subtle savory depth that supports the garlic and paprika beautifully.

Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your personal taste. Whether you want it spicier, sweeter, or swapping out ingredients for dietary reasons, this recipe opens the door for creativity.

Add some heat: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of cayenne or smoked chili powder for a subtle kick that pairs perfectly with the cola’s sweetness.
Swap the cola: I’ve tried this with root beer and Dr Pepper too—each brings its own unique flavor twist, so don’t be shy to experiment.
Braise for fall-off-the-bone tenderness: If you prefer ultra-fall-apart chicken, try finishing the grilled chicken wrapped in foil or in a low oven for 10 minutes after grilling.
Use chicken parts: If a whole chicken is intimidating, you can use bone-in thighs or drumsticks, just adjust cooking time and watch the internal temp carefully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe

Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe - Recipe Step

Step 1: Prep & Spatchcock Your Chicken Like a Pro

Start by letting your chicken come to room temperature for about 20 minutes—this helps it cook evenly. Now, don’t let the word “spatchcock” scare you! It just means cutting out the backbone and flattening the chicken. Use sharp kitchen shears to remove the backbone on both sides, then press down firmly on the breastbone with your heel of the hand to flatten it out. It might seem a little intimidating, but once you’ve done it once, it becomes second nature—and it makes all the difference in ensuring even grilling. If you’re unsure, a quick online search for “how to spatchcock a chicken” can give you a photo or video tutorial to guide you.

Step 2: Spice It Up Properly

Mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle some of this seasoning mixture under the skin where you can—for a deeper flavor punch on the breast and thighs—and then generously rub and sprinkle the rest all over the skin. This simple rub balances smokiness, sweetness, and a little heat, and it’s what sets this chicken apart.

Step 3: Get Your Grill Set Up for Indirect Heat

Preheat your grill to high heat, then turn off the center burner to create an indirect heat zone. Keep the side burners on medium to get the grill temperature between 350 and 400°F. This indirect method lets the chicken cook through evenly without burning the skin. Adjust your side burners as needed and keep a grill thermometer handy—it’s a game changer!

Step 4: Grill & Glaze with That Amazing Cola BBQ Sauce

Place the chicken skin-side up over the turned off center burner. Close the grill lid and let it cook for about 50 to 60 minutes. After about 40 minutes, start brushing on your homemade cola BBQ sauce in layers—2 or 3 light coats work best. Closing the lid after each glaze helps it set and caramelize beautifully. Keep an eye on the internal temperature: you want it to reach 160-165°F in the thickest part of the meat. Using a meat thermometer here eliminates guesswork and prevents overcooking.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve with Sauce

Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period lets juices redistribute, so every bite is juicy and tender. Slice it up and serve with plenty of that leftover cola BBQ sauce—a swipe of that sticky, smoky glaze is irresistible.

Step 6: Making the Cola BBQ Sauce

Combine ketchup, cola, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then lower to a simmer for 30 to 60 minutes until thickened, stirring every so often. The sauce gets richer and more concentrated as it reduces, so be patient—it’s totally worth it. Let it cool, then keep it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s great not just on this chicken, but on ribs, burgers, or even as a dip.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe

Spatchcock Confidence: Invest a little time watching videos on spatchcocking chicken—it saves so much grilling time and avoids uneven cooking.
Thermometer is Your Best Friend: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking—it’s worth every penny.
Don’t Overdo the Sauce: Brush the cola BBQ sauce in several thin layers rather than one thick coat to avoid burning.
Resting Time is Non-Negotiable: Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and flavorful—don’t skip this step!

How to Serve Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe

Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to finish this grilled chicken with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro—it adds a pop of fresh color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that contrasts the sweet and smoky sauce so well. Sometimes I add a handful of thinly sliced green onions for a subtle onion crunch on top.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this chicken alongside creamy coleslaw and roasted corn on the cob for a classic BBQ vibe. But a simple grilled vegetable medley or a crisp green salad also pairs beautifully with the richness of the cola BBQ sauce. Don’t forget some buttery cornbread or mashed potatoes if you want a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to cut the chicken into large quarters and arrange on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, I’ve turned leftovers into BBQ chicken sliders using soft buns and pickles—everyone asks for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover grilled cola BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days. When I do this, I always keep some extra sauce on the side to refresh the flavor when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the chicken into portions, place in freezer-safe bags with sauce, and squeeze out excess air. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep it juicy.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered in foil in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, basting with extra sauce. This keeps the chicken moist and prevents drying out. Alternatively, gently warming in a covered skillet with a splash of water and sauce works when you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I use cola without caffeine for the BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Decaf cola works just fine in this recipe. The flavor profile comes mostly from the sugars and carbonation, so you’ll still get the same great caramelization and subtle sweetness even without caffeine.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake this chicken instead?

You can bake the spatchcocked chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 45 to 55 minutes, glazing with the cola BBQ sauce in the last 15 minutes. While you miss some smoky grill flavor, the sauce and rub still shine this way.
Is spatchcocking necessary?

Spatchcocking isn’t mandatory, but it really helps the chicken cook more evenly and faster on the grill. If you’d prefer, you can butterfly or simply roast the whole chicken, but expect longer cooking times and potentially uneven doneness.
Can I make the cola BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, I recommend making the sauce a day or two before grilling so the flavors have time to meld. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge, and just give it a stir before using.
How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest and most accurate way is using a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 160-165°F in the thickest part of the chicken (usually the breast or thigh). This ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked but still juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe holds a special place for me because it turns an ordinary backyard meal into a little celebration of flavors. The caramelized, slightly sticky glaze combined with juicy chicken is a crowd-pleaser every time I make it. I genuinely hope you give it a go and see how simple tweaks like spatchcocking and homemade cola BBQ sauce elevate your grilling game. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to—for weekends, family dinners, or whenever you just want to impress with minimal fuss. Grab your tongs, fire up that grill, and enjoy every bite!