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Root Beer Chicken
(22 Votes)
Updated December 27, 2022
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- SERVES
- 4
- COOK TIME
- 1 Hr 20 Min
If you love the taste of old-fashioned root beer, then you'll love this lip-smackin' Root Beer Chicken. Whether you're serving this up for a picnic or potluck, everyone is sure to enjoy the added flavor! The root beer adds a rich caramel accent to the BBQ sauce, and it will have them saying, "OOH IT'S SO GOOD!!"™ as they soak up the summer sun.
What You'll Need
- 1 (3- to 3-1/2-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup root beer
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
What to Do
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place chicken pieces in baking dish; season with salt and pepper.
- Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until no pink remains in chicken and juices run clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine remaining ingredients; mix well and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 20 minutes or until sauce is reduced by half.
- Preheat grill to medium heat. Coat chicken with sauce and grill 5 minutes per side, basting frequently with sauce. Bring remaining sauce to a boil, then serve with chicken.
Test Kitchen Tips
- Go-alongs are the name of the game, and for this recipe, we suggest checking out some of our favorite deli salad recipes! For a twist on a classic, try our Ranch Potato Salad or, our always popular, Apple Bacon Coleslaw!
- Looking for potluck bring-alongs? Check out our collection of Easy Potluck Recipes or these Pack 'n' Go Picnic Recipe favorites!
If you love these recipes, then you'll love this FREE eCookbook!
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Nutritional InformationShow More
Servings Per Recipe: 4
- Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
- Calories 493
- Calories from Fat 86
- Total Fat 9.5g 15 %
- Saturated Fat 2.3g 11 %
- Trans Fat 0.1g 0 %
- Protein 68g 137 %
- Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
- Cholesterol 201mg 67 %
- Sodium 2,049mg 85 %
- Total Carbohydrates 36g 12 %
- Dietary Fiber 0.4g 1 %
- Sugars 32g 0 %
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fire capt 1
Aug 24, 2022
It looks really good and I cannot wait to try it. I do have a question though. Can you BBQ the chicken instead of cooking it in the oven? Put the BBQ sauce on the chicken when it's done? Thank You.
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willytlc
Aug 22, 2019
I see where a couple people asked about using diet root beer but no answer. I too would have to use diet so could you please let us know when using diet would we need to make an adjustment to the brown sugar? Thanks for an answer.
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kmcartoonity 6207274
Jun 27, 2018
If the sauce seems a little bit too thin and tends to drip off of the chicken, just put it back on the stove for a little longer to allow for it to reduce and thicken. Everybody's appliances are a little different and I have found that sometimes I need to adjust mine accordingly. I like to do the spoon test when making a sauce so I know if it will stick.
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jthelander1231
Mar 18, 2016
What a great recipe for the summer!
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scootergirl97 0423327
Jan 28, 2014
This was fantastic my boyfriend had five pieces and everyone else had one or two and said it was delicious!
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knitnpurl04 5772307
Feb 28, 2014
Can I use diet root beer (diabetic) or does it need to be regular?
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gcbarn 3199982
Oct 16, 2013
sorry I posted my comment for the wrong question my comment goes to agordon 1191925
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ssuch
Jul 15, 2013
Sounds really yummy, but diabetic in family; could I use diet root beer or would the sauce not thicken? Giving a three until I can try it. Will get back after I make this. BTW, I've always been a Mr. Food fan and I want to thank the staff for continuing what Mr. Ginsburg started.... ooh, it's so good!
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gcbarn 3199982
Oct 16, 2013
if you read the recipe you cook the chicken until the juices run out 45 to 50 minutes. and the skin keeps in the moistness and it shows in the video that the skin is on. Please read the instructions slower. and I've made the chicken it's excellent.
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agordon50 1191925
Jul 14, 2013
There is nothing, in the instructions about whether or not to remove the skin. Do you skin the chicken or not? Has anyone made this in the oven? If so, how long do your cook it and at what temperature? Can you broil it in the oven? If so, how long?
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Test Kitchen Team
Jul 15, 2013
We did not remove the skin when we prepared it in the Test Kitchen. If you prefer to remove the skin, go right ahead and follow the same directions. If you want to finish it in the oven, we would keep the temperature at 350 degrees and give it approximately another 10 minutes after the sauce is added. Please remember to still baste the chicken with the sauce. Enjoy!
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Spaghetti Kid
Jul 13, 2013
I am going to make this BBQ Chicken! But, do you cover the chicken when baking it in the oven? I have not made BBQ chicken in years and this really got my attention!!!! I love this website too!!!!
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Test Kitchen Team
Jul 15, 2013
Hi there! No, you should not cover the chicken when baking it in in the oven. Let us know when you try it, we would love to hear back from you. Enjoy!
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mjgc36 8282016
Jul 12, 2013
Really good. Will keep this and use again.
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Aadi Felt
Jul 10, 2013
sounds delicious, will make it the next time I buy root beer!!!
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robinbyrd49 8102775
Jul 10, 2013
i am making it right now using all legs but sauce smells so so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Ill post back after we eat it....
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avonpepper116 1369918
Feb 11, 2013
Couldn"t you put the root beer, catsup,etc on the baking dish from the start and let the flavor cook into the chicken. Then if you wish, put on grill and bast with more sauce.. I've made the coca-cola chicken similar to this for years and it can even be cooked on top of stove..
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Member 9847357
Jul 10, 2012
delicious I mad it twice and side dish green beans.
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martymiester 5527013
May 28, 2012
served this over the Memorial Day weekend. outstanding! on the grill the sauce candies on the chicken and is delicious. great for dipping, too. highly recommended.
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MrSoul
May 21, 2012
Similar to a Coca-Cola recipe I used to make.
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gary50
May 20, 2012
will try doing this and it sound so good on pork too
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peggyssanders 8906728
May 19, 2012
Can't wait to try this! Sounds amazing!!
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martymiester 5527013
May 28, 2012
it is, peggy. it's amazingly delicious! you'll love it.
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