Nothing says summer like the sizzle of a hot grill and the clink of ice in a cold drink. And if you’re looking for the perfect recipe to wow your July 4th crowd—or just elevate a lazy Sunday BBQ—look no further than these Coca-Cola BBQ Chicken Thighs. Sweet, sticky, and smoky, the magic lies in the rich caramel flavor of Coca-Cola Classic, which adds depth and a hint of nostalgia to your homemade BBQ sauce. This recipe is easy to prep, impossible to mess up, and 100% crowd-pleasing. Fire up the grill, pop open a Coke, and let’s get cooking.

Ingredients:

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup Coca-Cola Classic (not Diet Coke)
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)

For the Chicken:

• 2½ to 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6-8 pieces)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for brushing

Equipment:

• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)

Directions:

1. Make the Sauce
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all the sauce ingredients. Whisk well to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Prep the Chicken
   Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Brush lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Grill Time
   Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Place the thighs skin-side down and cook for 6–8 minutes, until grill marks appear. Flip and cook another 6–8 minutes.
4. Sauce It Up
   Begin basting the chicken with your Coca-Cola BBQ sauce. Flip and baste every 2–3 minutes for another 10 minutes, layering on that sweet glaze. Be careful not to burn the sauce—move to indirect heat if needed.
5. Check for Doneness
   Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
6. Serve & Celebrate
   Serve with grilled corn, potato salad, and—of course—a frosty bottle of Coca-Cola. Cheers to good food, sunshine, and summer vibes!

This recipe brings the fizz and flavor of Coca-Cola to the forefront of your backyard feast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just keeping it chill, these BBQ chicken thighs are the definition of a summer classic.