Coca-Cola Chicken

We’ve used soda to make cake, to braise pot roast and to slow-cook pulled pork. So why not use it to cook chicken? In our Coca-Cola chicken recipe, a can of cola acts as the sweet base for a tangy sauce reminiscent of barbecue sauce. The soda adds subtle sweetness and caramel depth that complement the savory goodness of the chicken, onions and garlic, making for a weeknight dinner that’s both familiar and exciting. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this Coca-Cola chicken recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting without much fuss.

Coca-Cola Chicken Ingredients

• Onion: Starting the sauce for this chicken dish by sauteing some diced onion builds a foundation of savory flavor to balance the sweet and tangy cola sauce.
• Chicken: Lean and juicy chicken breast halves are the base of this recipe. If you like, you can substitute boneless skinless thighs, chicken drumsticks or a whole chicken cut into pieces.
• Cola: A can of soda tenderizes the chicken while adding sweetness and caramel notes to the sauce of the finished dish. You could use a can of root beer in place of the cola.
• Ketchup: The sauce for this chicken in Coca-Cola is a balance of sweet and sharp flavors. Ketchup adds both sweetness and tang to balance out the soda.
• Garlic: Powdered garlic balances the sweet ingredients in the sauce by adding a high note of savory flavor.
• Cornstarch and cold water: Adding a slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water thickens the sauce to a velvety texture. As an alternative to cornstarch, try arrowroot powder instead.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the chicken

In a large skillet, saute the onion in oil until tender. Add the chicken to the pan, and brown it on all sides.

Step 2: Add the seasonings

Carefully add the cola, ketchup, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the chicken reads 170°F. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.

Step 3: Thicken the sauce

Combine the cornstarch and cold water until they’re smooth, then gradually add the mixture to the skillet. Bring the pan to a boil, then cook and stir for two minutes or until the sauce is thickened. Return the chicken to the pan and heat it through.

JONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME

Coca-Cola Chicken Variations

• Add more vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, thinly sliced carrots or rounds of zucchini along with the onions to bulk up the recipe with more flavor and nutrition. You can also add a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables for a quick and easy shortcut.
• Try it with pork: Feel free to substitute the chicken in this recipe with pork loin chops. Cook them until the meat registers 145° on an instant-read thermometer.
• Spice it up: To balance the sweetness of the cola with some heat, stir a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the sauce.

How to Store Coca-Cola Chicken

Store leftover chicken and Coca-Cola in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

How do you reheat Coca-Cola chicken?

Warm leftover Coca-Cola chicken over medium heat in a covered skillet. Splash in a spoonful of water to adjust the texture of the sauce and create a steamy environment to gently rewarm the meat. You can also reheat the chicken, covered, in the microwave.

Coca-Cola Chicken Tips

JONATHAN MELENDEZ FOR TASTE OF HOME

How do you prevent chicken breasts from drying out?

The key with cooking lean chicken, and especially boneless skinless chicken breasts, is not to overcook it. This can be tricky, especially if the chicken breasts are thin. We recommend using an instant-read thermometer to take the guesswork out of cooking meat. Cook chicken to between 165° and 170° for meat that’s safe to eat and still juicy.

What does cola do to chicken?

Cola is lightly acidic, and that acid breaks down the tough fibers in the meat, tenderizing it. The sweetness of the soft drink complements the chicken, and the sugar caramelizes slightly as the sauce cooks.

What can you do with leftover Coca-Cola chicken?

Make nachos! Pile some tortilla chips on a plate, and top them with diced Coca-Cola chicken, some shredded cheese and sliced jalapenos. Bake them just until the cheese melts. It would also be a delicious stand-in on a barbecue-inspired pizza.