Indulge in the bold, tangy-sweet flavors of this Dr Pepper BBQ Chicken, a crowd-pleasing recipe that puts a unique twist on classic barbecue. Tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection before being oven-baked in a rich, smoky sauce made from Dr Pepper soda, ketchup, brown sugar, and a blend of warm spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder. The soda's caramelized undertones infuse the chicken with a one-of-a-kind sweetness, while regular basting ensures each bite is flavorful and succulent. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this easy-to-make dish pairs beautifully with comforting sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. Elevate your barbecue game with this irresistible recipe that's sure to become a family favorite!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season them evenly with salt and black pepper.
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the Dr Pepper soda. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze.
Add ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Every 15 minutes, baste the chicken with the BBQ sauce from the skillet to enhance flavor and keep it moist.
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.
Calories |
3253 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 214.4 g | 275% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.2 g | 286% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 972 mg | 324% | |
| Sodium | 4963 mg | 216% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 126.0 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 103.9 g | ||
| Protein | 218.7 g | 437% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 196 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 12.6 mg | 70% | |
| Potassium | 2454 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.