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Root Beer Grilled Chicken

Hands down, the best thing for your BBQ. Juicy, flavorful chicken meets tangy rootbeer for a flavor match like no other!
Servings 5
Calories 771kcal
Author Sara

Ingredients

  • 3 lb. package of chicken drumsticks
  • ¼ cup paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups root beer
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
  • 4 tablespoons jam I used strawberry
  • 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard

Instructions

  • Mix together the paprika, garlic powder and salt and rub all over the drumsticks.
  • Then combine the root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, jam and mustard in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the glaze is reduced and thickened. Hold over very low heat until the chicken has about 5 minutes left on the grill.
  • Grilling the chicken: Preheat your gas grill for about 8-10 minutes. Spray or oil the grates and sear the chicken over direct heat on high, about 3 minutes per side. Then turn everything down to medium, medium-high. Grill a total of about 25 minutes, or until juices run clear when pierced, and the internal temperature registers about 170 degrees. Turn the chicken about every 5 minutes while cooking and brush with about a cup of the glaze the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Use the additional glaze for dipping while eating.

Notes

  1. Enhance Flavor with Rub: Create a flavorful rub for the chicken drumsticks by mixing paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken before grilling to infuse it with layers of savory and aromatic flavors. Allow the chicken to sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes before grilling to maximize flavor absorption.
  2. Thicken and Glaze: Simmering the root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, jam, and mustard creates a rich and tangy glaze for the grilled chicken. To ensure a thick and glossy consistency, simmer the glaze until it reduces and thickens, allowing it to coat the back of a spoon. Keep the glaze warm over low heat until ready to use, and brush it onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for a sticky and caramelized finish.
  3. Grill with Care: Preheat your grill to ensure it reaches the desired temperature before cooking the chicken drumsticks. Sear the chicken over direct high heat for a few minutes on each side to achieve a golden crust, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-high to continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the chicken regularly to ensure even cooking, and brush it with the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling for added flavor and moisture.

Nutrition

Calories: 771kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 250mg | Sodium: 1080mg | Potassium: 994mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 74g | Vitamin A: 3048IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 4mg