coca cola chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best coca cola chicken recipe

I’ve been making this Coca Cola chicken recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish has its roots in Southern cuisine, where sweet and tangy flavors are a staple.

The unique combination of Coca Cola, brown sugar, and spices creates a thick, sticky glaze that’s both sweet and savory. It’s a perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday gathering.

My kids love it because it’s easy to make and always tastes great. I love it because it’s quick to prepare and can be made in under an hour.

The best part is that it’s also relatively healthy, with the Coca Cola adding a bit of sweetness without adding refined sugar. This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Coca Cola Chicken

4.9 from 1714 votes

This Coca Cola chicken recipe creates tender, sticky-sweet drumsticks with a rich caramelized glaze. The soda tenderizes the meat while reducing into a savory sauce with soy and garlic.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

1 can (12 oz) Coca Cola
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and pepper.
2Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Add the drumsticks in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
4The chicken should release easily from the pan when properly seared.
5In a small bowl, whisk together the Coca Cola, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and sriracha if using.
6Pour the mixture over the browned chicken and bring to a boil over high heat.
7Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
8The chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.
9Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high.
10Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, basting the chicken frequently, until the sauce thickens to a syrupy glaze that coats the drumsticks.
11The sauce should reduce by about half and cling to the meat.
12Transfer the glazed drumsticks to a serving platter and spoon any remaining sauce over the top.
13Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 24g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce uncovered for an extra 2 to 3 minutes after removing the chicken. You can substitute boneless chicken thighs; reduce cooking time to 15 minutes covered and 5 minutes uncovered. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Coca Cola Chicken Works

This Coca Cola chicken recipe is a game-changer for any occasion. It’s easy to make, relatively healthy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

You can serve it hot or cold, depending on your preference. To store leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat by oven-baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Coca Cola Chicken

Q1: What is the origin of Coca Cola chicken?

This dish is believed to have originated in the Southern United States, where cooks would often use Coca Cola as a sweetener in place of refined sugar.

Q2: Can I use diet Coca Cola instead of regular Coca Cola?

Yes, you can use diet Coca Cola as a substitute in this recipe. However, keep in mind that diet soda may affect the flavor slightly.

Q3: Can I make this recipe in advance?

This recipe is best made fresh, but you can prepare the marinade and sauce ahead of time. Simply store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q4: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarians due to the presence of chicken.

Q5: Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce to taste.

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