Dr Pepper Chipotle Grilled Chicken

There’s something magical that happens when sweet meets heat, and Dr Pepper Chipotle Grilled Chicken brings both to the backyard party. This recipe is more than just another grilled chicken—it’s a flavor-packed, finger-lickin’ masterpiece that checks all the boxes for summer cookouts, family dinners, or those random Tuesdays when plain chicken just won’t cut it.

So, if your crew’s tired of the same old barbecue routine and you’re craving something a little bold, a little smoky, and totally unforgettable, I’ve got you. This one’s spicy, sticky, sweet, and savory all in one juicy bite.

Let’s fire up that grill, friend—it’s chicken magic time.

Why You’ll Love This Dr Pepper Chipotle Grilled Chicken

First off, yes—Dr Pepper. I know what you’re thinking. But trust me, this isn’t just tossing soda on meat and calling it dinner. The soda adds a caramelized depth and just the right touch of sweetness to balance out the smoky chipotle heat. It’s the secret ingredient that makes this chicken sing.

Second, it’s grilled chicken legs, which means it’s budget-friendly, flavorful, and oh-so-forgiving. Whether you’re a grill master or just winging it with tongs in one hand and a drink in the other (no judgment here), this recipe’s got your back.

And finally—it’s downright delicious. Like, “why didn’t I make a double batch?” delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken:

• 12 chicken legs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for brushing or spraying)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sticky-sweet chipotle sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup Dr Pepper
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1–2 chipotle peppers (chopped)
• 2 teaspoons adobo sauce (adjust for spice level)

How to Make Dr Pepper Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Get that grill hot

Preheat your grill to high heat. You want it good and hot to get those dreamy grill marks and seal in flavor.

Step 2: Mix the magic sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, mustard, Dr Pepper, cider vinegar, Worcestershire, maple syrup, chopped chipotles, and adobo sauce. Taste it. If it makes your eyebrows lift in surprise—in a good way—you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Prep the chicken

Pat those chicken legs dry (crispy skin starts here!). Brush or spray them with vegetable oil, then sprinkle on salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Grill, baby, grill

Place the chicken skin-side down on the hottest part of your grill. Sear for about 15 minutes to get that irresistible char.

Step 5: Low and slow

After searing, turn the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes—this helps cook it through without burning.

Step 6: Sauce and flip

Flip the chicken, baste generously with that beautiful chipotle-Dr Pepper sauce, cover again, and grill for another 10 minutes.

Step 7: Final flip and baste

One last flip, one more round of saucing, and a final 5 minutes on the grill. Your chicken’s done when juices run clear and the internal temp hits 165°F.

Aneta’s Chicken Chat: A Quick Backyard Story

This recipe was born one summer evening when I had a fridge full of chicken legs and a lone can of Dr Pepper calling my name. My kids were playing with the garden hose (because why not flood the lawn?) and I needed dinner on the table fast. I tossed together a sauce using what I had, threw the legs on the grill, and prayed to the dinner gods.

And wouldn’t you know it—everyone went silent at the table. That’s when you know it’s good. It’s been a regular in our rotation ever since.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken

• Chipotle heat hack: Start with one pepper and add more if you’re feeling brave. That adobo sauce can sneak up on you!
• No grill? You can totally roast this in the oven at 400°F. Just baste halfway through and again at the end.
• Sticky is good: Don’t shy away from a little char and stickiness—that’s the flavor gold!

FAQs About Dr Pepper Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Conclusion

There you have it—Dr Pepper Chipotle Grilled Chicken in all its smoky-sweet glory. It’s one of those recipes that feels a little fancy, tastes like summer, and requires nothing more than a grill and a little bit of sass. Perfect for feeding a hungry crew or treating yourself to a well-deserved flavor bomb.

Let me know how yours turns out—and don’t forget the napkins. Things are about to get deliciously messy. ❤️

Happy grilling,

Explore More Flavorful Chicken Creations

If you loved the bold and smoky flavors of this Dr Pepper Chipotle Grilled Chicken, you’re in for a real treat. There’s a whole world of creative and crave-worthy chicken recipes waiting for you right here at Chicken Magic Recipes. Whether you’re after more grilling inspiration, flavor-packed dinners, or new spins on family favorites, here are some delicious dishes to check out next:

• Craving more bold BBQ-style meals? You’ll love this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken that brings just the right balance of sweet heat to your summer cookout.
• For a zesty Mediterranean twist, try these Greek Chicken Kabobs—perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection for an easy weeknight dinner or backyard gathering.
• Looking for a creamy and tangy dinner idea? Don’t miss this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine—it’s comfort food with a gourmet vibe.
• And if you want a game day (or any day) crowd-pleaser, the Alabama White Blackened Chicken Sliders are spicy, creamy, and downright irresistible.

From sweet to spicy and everything in between, Chicken Magic Recipes has the perfect dish for every craving. Dig in and find your next favorite!

Dr Pepper Chipotle Grilled Chicken

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 1 Hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

These Dr Pepper Chipotle Grilled Chicken legs are the ultimate summer crowd-pleaser—sweet, smoky, and perfectly spicy with every juicy bite. Glazed in a homemade barbecue sauce made with Dr Pepper, chipotle peppers, and maple syrup, they’re an unforgettable twist on classic grilled chicken.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 12 chicken legs

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for brushing or spraying)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/2 cup Dr Pepper

• 1/4 cup cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1–2 chipotle peppers, chopped

• 2 teaspoons adobo sauce (adjust for spice level)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to high, direct heat.

2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, Dijon mustard, Dr Pepper, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce. Set aside.

3. Prep the chicken: Brush or spray chicken legs with vegetable oil. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Grill the chicken skin-side down over high heat for about 15 minutes to sear and develop grill marks.

5. Lower heat to medium-low. Cover the grill and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.

6. Flip and baste: Turn the chicken, baste generously with sauce, cover, and grill for 10 more minutes.

7. Final baste and grill: Flip once more, baste again, and cook for 5 additional minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

8. Serve hot with extra sauce if desired.

Notes

Start with one chipotle pepper if you’re spice-sensitive, and add more if you love heat.
No grill? Bake at 400°F for about 40 minutes, basting halfway through.
Leftover sauce? Use it on ribs, burgers, or even roasted veggies!

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Category: Main course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg