Chicken Drumsticks in Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce

on Jul 23, 2024, Updated Sep 23, 2024

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These grilled Chicken Drumsticks in Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce were tender, juicy and very flavorful. Definitely could pick up some of the soda flavors without overpowering the meat. This recipe is the perfect summer bbq dish. The sweet and savory notes will be enjoyed by both adults as well as kids.

Try my grilled chicken lollipops for a fun chicken drumstick dinner or Grilled Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs

A pile of grilled chicken drumsticks in Dr Pepper BBQ sauce on a place with grills in the background.

Ingredient list for Chicken Drumsticks in a Dr. Pepper Sauce
Step 1: How to prepare chicken drumsticks for the grill.
Step 2: How to make a Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce.
Step 3: How to perfectly grill chicken drumsticks in Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Consider Other BBQ Sauce Chicken Recipes:
Chicken Drumsticks in Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce Recipe

Ingredient list for Chicken Drumsticks in a Dr. Pepper Sauce

Chicken Drumsticks: drumsticks are a fun and easy meal. You can make this recipe using chicken wings as an alternative.
Dr. Pepper Soda: this will add the sweet flavor to the BBQ sauce.
Ketchup: this is the base for any tomato based BBQ sauce.
Yellow Mustard: provide acidy and tanginess to the sauce.
Molasses: adds a sweet and smokey flavor to the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: creates a tangy balance to the sweetness from the brown sugar and molasses.
Worcestershire sauce: adds a savory and umami flavor the BBQ sauce.
All Purpose seasoning: adds savoriness and BBQ flavors like smoked paprika to the sauce.

Step 1: How to prepare chicken drumsticks for the grill.

Chicken drumsticks are easy to cook, easy to handle and delicious to eat. However, this recipe can be made with any part of the chicken from the wings, bone-in thighs, breast or whole chicken. Another great option is to do lollipop chicken drumsticks which are always show stoppers at parties and fun to eat.

Whatever your preferred cut of chicken, this recipe is the perfect summer bbq meal.

Start by cleaning up your chicken drumsticks and cutting off any loose pieces without removing the skin. Next, pull the skin over the meat and drizzle with some olive oil and season generously with Dad’s All Purpose rub.

Dad’s Seasonings

Must have grillin seasonings!

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Step 2: How to make a Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce.

Homemade BBQ sauce is the way to go. You can always adjust the tanginess, spiciness or sweetness to your liking. This Dr. Pepper bbq sauce had a little bit of all the above. It might be my new favorite BBQ sauce. You can definitely taste the various flavor profiles of a Dr. Pepper but it’s not overpowering for those that are not fans of the drink. It’s the perfect flavor compliment to the savory chicken. Ingredients are simple and sauce is easy to make.

In a sauce pan, add 1 can of Dr. Pepper soda, ketchup, yellow mustard, molasses, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and Dad’s Sweet BBQ rub. Mix it all together simmering over low heat until the sauce thickens.

For a more traditional homemade sauce, try my Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce. It has just the right levels of sweetness, heat and tanginess that will work on any grilled meat.

Step 3: How to perfectly grill chicken drumsticks in Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce.

Grilled chicken drumsticks in dr pepper bbq sauce on a hot grill.

Preheat the grill to 375 degrees and set for indirect heat. Place the chicken drumsticks on the indirect side first for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat is 175 degrees.

Next, place the grilled drumsticks on the direct side to get a nice char on the skin. Flip every 30 seconds until you build a good char on the skin.

Grilled chicken drumsticks ready to be tossed in Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce on a clear bowl on a wooden cutting board.

Move the grilled drumsticks to a bowl and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Next, pour the sauce over the chicken and mix to get an even coat throughout. Enjoy these flavorful and juicy Chicken Drumsticks in Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these chicken drumsticks in a dr. pepper bbq sauce in the oven?

Yes, the chicken drumsticks can be roasted in the oven, while the Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce is made on the stove top.

How do get a tender and juicy chicken drumsticks?

The best way to avoid dry meat or know if any protein is ready is to check the internal temperature. Chicken drumsticks are no different. Remove the chicken at 165 internal degrees for the perfect tender and juicy meat and avoid a dried out bird.

Can I use soda in a BBQ sauce?

Yes, soda is a great ingredient to add you a classic BBQ sauce to enhance the flavor and sweetness. Pick your favorite and mix. Try using coca cola, fanta or root beer to bring out subtle flavors of popular drinks in your food.