If you’re craving a chicken recipe that’s bursting with sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe is one of my all-time favorites for feeding a family or impressing friends at a backyard cookout. The secret? A luscious cola-infused BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the chicken a irresistible glaze and flavor. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Cola BBQ Flavor: The cola adds a subtle sweetness and caramelization that you just can’t get with regular BBQ sauce.
Juicy & Tender Chicken: Spatchcocking the chicken helps it cook evenly and stay juicy, avoiding dry spots.
Perfect for Grilling Enthusiasts: Uses indirect heat to get that perfect grilled char without flare-ups.
Make-Ahead Sauce: The cola BBQ sauce can be made in advance, saving you time and infusing deeper flavors.

Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken, Cola BBQ chicken recipe, smoky grilled chicken with cola, easy BBQ chicken, backyard grilling recipes - A whole roasted chicken lies flat on its back on a light wooden cutting board with a white marbled surface underneath. The chicken is evenly coated with a dark, shiny barbecue sauce that gives it a rich reddish-brown color with some charred black edges, especially on the wings and thighs. To the top left of the chicken, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with thick barbecue sauce and behind it another small glass bowl with a light brown dry spice mix. Green chives lie scattered on the cutting board around the chicken. At the bottom right, a metal spoon resting on the board has some barbecue sauce on it, with a small drip smudge nearby. The overall look is rustic and flavorful, highlighting the texture and color contrasts of the cooked chicken skin and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on a few bold, simple ingredients working in harmony—the spice rub penetrates the chicken for balanced seasoning, while the cola BBQ sauce adds layers of sweetness and tang that caramelize beautifully over the grill. When shopping, pick a cola with a flavor you enjoy drinking—Dr Pepper, Coke, or even Root Beer can make a tasty difference.

Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken, Cola BBQ chicken recipe, smoky grilled chicken with cola, easy BBQ chicken, backyard grilling recipes - Flat lay of a whole raw chicken with pale yellow skin, a small mound of golden brown sugar, a small heap of deep red smoked paprika powder, a pile of off-white garlic powder, a small pile of fine white salt, and a tiny heap of cracked black peppercorns, alongside a simple white bowl filled with bright red smooth ketchup, a small white bowl with glossy dark cola liquid, another white bowl with thick amber honey, three fresh whole garlic cloves with white papery skins, a white bowl holding translucent pale golden apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl with smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a tiny white bowl with dark brown Worcestershire sauce, and white ceramic bowls containing pale off-white onion powder and another small heap of smoked paprika powder and a heap of freshly ground black pepper – all arranged symmetrically with balanced spacing, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole chicken: Using a whole bird keeps the meat moist and offers a great mix of white and dark meat for everyone to enjoy.
Brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel sweetness helping the skin crisp up perfectly on the grill.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth, enhancing the BBQ vibe without needing actual smoke.
Garlic powder: For a savory punch that complements the sweetness of the cola sauce.
Cola: The star ingredient for the BBQ sauce, providing both sweetness and acidity to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
Ketchup: Forms the tangy tomato base in the BBQ sauce that balances the sugary cola.
Honey: Boosts richness and helps the sauce thicken to a luscious glaze.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright tang that cuts through the richness.
Dijon mustard & Worcestershire sauce: Bring complexity and depth, elevating the BBQ sauce beyond ordinary.
Spices (onion powder, black pepper): Round out the sauce with layers of flavor you’ll want to lick your fingers for.

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

Make It Your Way

While I adore this recipe just as it is, I always encourage experimenting with what you like. Whether it’s swapping spices or trying different colas, making this your own is part of the fun. You can also adjust sweetness or heat levels depending on what your family prefers.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping smoked paprika for chipotle powder to add a smoky heat—delicious if you like a little kick.
Dietary Modification: For a lower sugar option, try using a diet cola and less honey; the flavor stays pretty rich.
Seasonal Twist: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary under the skin during prep can add a lovely fragrant note.

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

Step 1: Bring Your Chicken to Room Temperature & Spatchcock It

Start by taking your whole chicken out of the fridge for about 20 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. Next, spatchcocking is a game changer—use sharp kitchen shears to cut out the backbone, then press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it. I know this sounds intimidating, but once you do it, it’s surprisingly simple and speeds up the cooking time while allowing for even heat distribution.

Step 2: Season Like a Pro

Mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle some under the chicken skin for flavor that penetrates deep, then liberally season the skin itself. This spice mixture helps the chicken develop a beautiful, flavorful crust once grilled.

Step 3: Prep Your Grill for Indirect Heat

Set your grill’s center burner to off, and light the side burners on medium heat to achieve a consistent temperature around 350 to 400°F. Indirect grilling like this lets the chicken cook slowly without burning, giving you juicy meat under a crispy skin.

Step 4: Grill and Glaze

Place your chicken skin-side up on the grill’s center, over the burner that’s off. Close the lid and let it cook for 50 to 60 minutes. After about 40 minutes, start brushing on the cola BBQ sauce a couple of times. This layering creates that sticky, glossy coating everyone raves about. Just be patient and keep the lid closed as much as possible to keep the heat even.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Once the internal temperature hits 160 to 165°F (use a meat thermometer for accuracy), take the chicken off and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute so every bite is ultra juicy. Slice it up and serve alongside the extra sauce for dipping.

Step 6: Make the Cola BBQ Sauce

While the chicken’s grilling, whisk together ketchup, cola, honey, garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes until thickened. Let it cool—it’ll thicken more as it sits. It’s magical how the flavors marry over time!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe

Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out or being underdone—aim for 160-165°F internal temp.
Pat Your Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, drying the skin helps the rub stick better and promotes crispiness on the grill.
Patience with Indirect Heat: Don’t rush by grilling over direct heat—it’ll burn the skin before the inside cooks. Indirect heat gives even cooking and char.
Apply Sauce Late: Start brushing the BBQ sauce after 40 minutes to avoid burning the sugars and to build layers of flavor.

How to Serve Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe

Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken, Cola BBQ chicken recipe, smoky grilled chicken with cola, easy BBQ chicken, backyard grilling recipes - A raw whole chicken lays flat on a golden baking tray, fully covered in a coarse, reddish-brown dry spice rub. The chicken's pale skin shows in tiny spots beneath the thick layer of seasoning. The spice rub is unevenly spread, with more concentrated patches over the body and limbs, and some of the rub has spilled onto the tray around the chicken. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and bright herbal contrast. Sometimes, a few thin slices of red onion or a lemon wedge on the side add freshness and zing that really brighten the richness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are classic BBQ staples like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, and tangy baked beans—they complement the sweet and smoky chicken perfectly. A simple green salad or roasted potatoes work great too if you want something lighter or more robust.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this chicken on a large wooden board with the legs and breasts pulled apart, drizzled with extra cola BBQ sauce and scattered with chopped nuts or pickled jalapeños for added texture and zing. It looks rustic but elegant—guaranteed to wow guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, wrap leftover chicken tightly or place in airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find removing the skin before storing can help keep it from going soggy, but you can always crisp it again when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, remove the skin and store chicken pieces separately from the sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat without drying out is to warm in a low oven (around 300°F) covered with foil to keep moisture in. Add a little extra cola BBQ sauce for juicy flavor. If short on time, reheating gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the pieces works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken for this Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust grilling time accordingly—chicken parts usually cook faster than a whole spatchcocked bird. Use indirect heat and grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy chicken.
What type of cola works best for the BBQ sauce?

Any cola you enjoy drinking works well. Classic colas like Coke or Dr Pepper are favorites, but root beer or cherry cola can add a fun twist too. Just avoid diet sodas if you want the best caramelization, though I have tried diet cola with decent results too!
How do I know when the chicken is done grilling?

Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (without touching bone). When it reads between 160°F and 165°F, the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Let it rest before slicing to lock in the juices.
Can I make the cola BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop deeper. Store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week, then just warm it slightly before using on the grill or as a condiment.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Cola BBQ Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to pull off, making it a real crowd-pleaser in my kitchen. The sweet cola glaze paired with smoky spices creates an unforgettable flavor that people keep asking for. I genuinely hope you give it a try—you’ll nail that perfect grilled chicken every time and might just discover your new favorite BBQ twist to add to your recipe rotation!