Fun-Times Barbecue Chicken

Step 1 -In a saucepan over medium heat, add the ketchup, the cola, the honey, the minced garlic, the apple cider vinegar, the Dijon mustard, the Worcestershire sauce, the onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of the paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper and whisk until it is well-combined. Bring the sauce mixture to a boil.

Step 2 -Reduce the heat to low heat and cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 30 minutes-1 hour.

Step 3 -Transfer the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce sit at room temperature until it is cool. Reserve 1/4 of the sauce for serving.

Step 4 -Preheat the grill to high heat.

Step 5 -In a large bowl, add the brown sugar, the remaining paprika, the garlic powder, the salt, and the remaining pepper and stir to combine.

Step 6 -Place the chicken on a cutting board and evenly sprinkle 1/3 of the seasoning mixture on the underside of the chicken.

Step 7 -Flip the chicken skin-side up and evenly rub 1/2 of the seasoning mixture all over the skin, then evenly sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture under the skin, along the breasts and the thighs.

Step 8 -Turn off the center burner on the grill and reduce the side burners to medium heat. This helps stabilize the heat between 350-400 degrees F. Adjust the temperature of the side burners, as needed.

Step 9 -Place the seasoned chicken in the center of the grill skin-side up, close the lid, and cook, about 40 minutes.

Step 10 -Uncover the lid and evenly brush the top of the chicken with about 1/3 the remaining barbecue sauce. Cook the chicken, brushing it 2 more times with the remaining sauce, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F in its thickest part, about 10-20 minutes.

Step 11 -Transfer the chicken to a large cutting board and let it rest, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 12 -Slice the chicken and serve with the reserved barbecue sauce.