Coca Cola Chicken

Every time I prepare Coca Cola Chicken, it brings back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and love. The sweet and savory aroma that fills the kitchen is simply intoxicating. This dish has a way of transforming a regular weeknight dinner into something special. I remember the first time I tried it; I was skeptical about using soda in a savory dish, but the results blew me away! The sauce is rich and sticky, enveloping each piece of chicken in a delicious glaze that makes your taste buds dance with joy. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner with family or a festive gathering with friends.

Essential Ingredients for Coca Cola Chicken

The ingredients in Coca Cola Chicken are simple yet powerful. Each one plays a vital role in crafting that signature sweet and savory sauce. The star, of course, is Coca-Cola, which adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Chicken drumsticks serve as the perfect canvas to soak up all those delicious flavors. You’ll also notice the importance of aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger that add layers of complexity. Together, they create a harmony that’s hard to resist.

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided in half) – This oil is essential for sautéing the ingredients and adds a nice richness to the dish.
• 2 pounds chicken drumsticks (8 to 9 pieces) – The main protein that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• 1 cup sweet yellow onion (finely diced) – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic (minced) – Infuses the dish with a wonderful aroma and flavor.
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (grated) – Provides a refreshing zing that complements the sweetness.
• 24 ounces Coca-Cola – The secret ingredient that gives this dish its unique flavor profile.
• ¼ cup soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed) – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of heat and depth.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Brings all the flavors together and enhances the taste.

Making This Coca Cola Chicken

Creating Coca Cola Chicken is a delightful journey. Each step is simple yet crucial for crafting that perfect dish. Let’s dive into the process together!

1. Using a 4 to 5-quart Dutch oven on medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Watch as it shimmers, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
2. Add the chicken drumsticks to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a lovely golden brown color to develop on the skin, which adds flavor.
3. Remove the drumsticks and set them aside. This step is crucial as it allows you to build the flavors in the pot without overcrowding it.
4. Add the remaining oil to the Dutch oven. Toss in the onion and sauté uncovered for 2 minutes, stirring often. The onions should become translucent and fragrant.
5. Next, add the garlic and ginger. Continue cooking and stirring often for about 1 to 1½ minutes until they are aromatic, but be careful not to burn them.
6. Now for the magic! Add the Coca-Cola, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously, letting those ingredients meld and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes.
7. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the chicken drumsticks back into the pot. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, turning the chicken once to ensure it’s coated in that delicious sauce.
8. After cooking the chicken for 20 minutes, remove them from the pot and set aside again. Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the sauce to reduce for 5 to 8 additional minutes. You’re aiming for a thicker consistency that clings to the back of a spoon.
9. Once the sauce reduces, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the sauce over the chicken and serve while hot. Enjoy every sticky, savory bite!

Recipe Notes about Coca Cola Chicken

This dish is all about balance and flavor, so here are some tips to help you nail it every time!

• Storage: Store leftover Coca Cola Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Just thaw before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
• Culinary Twist: Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite spices or vegetables to the sauce.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve it alongside a refreshing salad for a complete meal experience.

What to Serve With Coca Cola Chicken

When it comes to pairing with Coca Cola Chicken, the options are plentiful. Here are some ideas:

• Steamed Rice: The perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce. White or brown rice works well.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Bright and crunchy vegetables can complement the richness of the chicken.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting meal that pairs nicely with the sauce.
• Salad: A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.
• Coleslaw: The crunch and tang of coleslaw can make for a delightful combination.
• Bread Rolls: Serve warm bread rolls to soak up the extra sauce on your plate.

FAQ

Conclusion

Coca Cola Chicken is truly a standout dish that combines unique flavors with ease of preparation. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something that will impress. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Coca Cola Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Coca Cola Chicken is a flavorful, easy weeknight dinner that will leave you craving more. The sweet and savory glaze wraps around tender chicken, creating a dish that's truly unforgettable. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil divided in half
• 2 pounds chicken drumsticks 8 to 9 pieces
• 1 cup sweet yellow onion finely diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
• 24 ounces Coca-Cola
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Equipment

• Skillet
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Oven

Method

 

1. Using a 4 to 5-quart Dutch oven on medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Watch as it shimmers, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
2. Add the chicken drumsticks to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a lovely golden brown color to develop on the skin, which adds flavor.
3. Remove the drumsticks and set them aside. This step is crucial as it allows you to build the flavors in the pot without overcrowding it.
4. Add the remaining oil to the Dutch oven. Toss in the onion and sauté uncovered for 2 minutes, stirring often. The onions should become translucent and fragrant.
5. Next, add the garlic and ginger. Continue cooking and stirring often for about 1 to 1½ minutes until they are aromatic, but be careful not to burn them.
6. Now for the magic! Add the Coca-Cola, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt. Stir continuously, letting those ingredients meld and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes.
7. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the chicken drumsticks back into the pot. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, turning the chicken once to ensure it’s coated in that delicious sauce.
8. After cooking the chicken for 20 minutes, remove them from the pot and set aside again. Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the sauce to reduce for 5 to 8 additional minutes. You’re aiming for a thicker consistency that clings to the back of a spoon.
9. Once the sauce reduces, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the sauce over the chicken and serve while hot. Enjoy every sticky, savory bite!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover Coca Cola Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Just thaw before reheating.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
• Tip 4: Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite spices or vegetables to the sauce.
• Tip 5: Serve warm bread rolls to soak up the extra sauce on your plate.

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Meet Juliet Sterling

Creating rich, complex flavors is my obsession, though I am just as passionate about capturing them through the lens. I develop recipes that taste like they simmered all day but are actually achievable for any home cook. I cooked and styled this dish to ensure the flavors are balanced and the presentation inspires you.