How to Make Easy Root Beer BBQ Chicken Marinade

Root beer adds a sweetness to your barbecue sauce or marinade.

There are many marinades that taste delicious when paired with chicken, but during the summer months, sometimes there is just nothing quite like barbecued chicken cooked on the grill. Although store-bought barbecue sauce or marinade does the job, homemade barbecue sauce allows you to achieve the exact taste you desire. With a touch of rich, sweet root beer taste, this barbecue sauce and marinade will pleasantly surprise family and friends at your next cookout.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup root beer
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire
• 1-1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. molasses
• 1/2 tsp. powdered ginger
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. sweet paprika
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.

2. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.

3. Taste and add seasoning to your liking if desired. The sauce should be thick and richly flavored.

4. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature before using as a marinade or glaze.

5. Store covered in the refrigerator if you plan to use it later.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow chicken to marinate in the root beer barbecue sauce for at least an hour before cooking. Reserve some marinade to brush on during the grilling process for extra flavor.

References

• Food & Wine: Root Beer Barbecue Sauce
• Baking Bites: Slow Cooked Ribs and Root Beer BBQ Sauce