Coca-Cola Chicken Wings

The first time I made Coca-Cola Chicken Wings, I thought it was a whimsical experiment. I was hosting a casual gathering with friends, and I wanted to impress them with something different. As I poured the sweet soda over the wings, I wondered if it would really work. But when they came out of the oven, caramelized and glossy, I knew I had struck gold. Each bite was a delightful mix of savory and sweet, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to create such a flavorful dish. Since then, these wings have become a staple at my gatherings, always leaving guests asking for the recipe.

What You Need for Coca-Cola Chicken Wings

The ingredients for Coca-Cola Chicken Wings come together to create a symphony of flavors that enhance the chicken beautifully. Each element plays a pivotal role in achieving the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. The star ingredient, of course, is the Coca-Cola, which adds a unique sweetness and helps to caramelize the wings as they cook. The lime adds a refreshing zest, while the ginger and garlic bring warmth and depth to the dish. This harmonious blend ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.

• 2 1/2 pounds chicken wings – The foundation of the dish, these wings are what soak up all the delicious flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – A simple but essential ingredient to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• 1 large lime – Provides zesty acidity that balances the sweetness of the cola.
• 2 stalks scallions – Adds a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor to the dish.
• 16.9 ounce bottle Coca-Cola – The secret ingredient that brings sweetness and caramelization to the wings.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce – Adds umami flavor and depth to the marinade.
• 6 cloves garlic, smashed – Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
• 2 inch piece ginger, sliced – Adds warmth and a slight peppery flavor that complements the sweet elements.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.

Step by Step Instructions for Coca-Cola Chicken Wings

Cooking Coca-Cola Chicken Wings is a joy, and the steps are simple. You’ll find that the process is almost as fun as the final dish is delicious. This method not only ensures perfectly cooked wings but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Let’s dive into the steps!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures the wings will cook evenly and become crispy. As the oven heats, take your chicken wings and use a sharp knife to prick the back of each wing. This allows the flavors to penetrate better while cooking.

2. Next, pat the wings dry with paper towels. This is an important step that helps achieve crispy skin by removing excess moisture. Once dry, arrange them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper and sprinkle them evenly with salt.

3. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the wings in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be lightly browned and cooked through. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

4. While the wings are baking, let’s prepare the sauce. Use a vegetable peeler to remove four strips of zest from the lime and then cut the lime in half. Squeeze two tablespoons of fresh lime juice into a saucepan.

5. Chop the scallions in half and add the white bottom part to the saucepan, reserving the green part for garnish later. Finely chop the green part and set it aside; we’ll need it shortly.

6. To the saucepan, add the lime zest, Coca-Cola, soy sauce, smashed garlic, and sliced ginger. This mixture is what makes your wings so flavorful!

7. Bring the cola mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken and reduce by about half. The sweet smell of the sauce will have everyone eagerly waiting.

8. Once it’s reduced, drain out the solids. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with one tablespoon of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce even more.

9. Stir this cornstarch mixture into the cola sauce and cook for an additional three minutes. You’ll notice it starting to get even thicker. When it’s done, turn off the heat.

10. Now for the exciting part! Pour half of the sauce into a large bowl and mix well with butter. The butter adds a rich finish to the sauce. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving later.

11. After 25 minutes, your wings should be ready. Remove them from the oven, and in a large bowl, toss the wings in the cola mixture until they are well coated. Return the wings to the baking pan and bake for an additional five minutes. This final bake allows the sauce to caramelize, giving the wings a beautiful, glossy finish.

12. Finally, serve your Coca-Cola Chicken Wings immediately, drizzled with the reserved sauce. Garnish with the chopped scallions and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds on top for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy!

Change It Up

If you’re looking to explore variations of Coca-Cola Chicken Wings, there are countless tweaks you can make to elevate this dish even further. Here are some tips to help you experiment.

• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the cooked wings! Just make sure they’re cooled completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for about two months.
• Pairing: These wings pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or coleslaw to balance out the richness.
• Heat it up: For a spicy twist, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the cola mixture before cooking!
• Glaze alternatives: Try using different sodas or fruit juices for a unique flavor profile.

What Goes Well With This Coca-Cola Chicken Wings

When serving Coca-Cola Chicken Wings, consider these delicious pairings to create a well-rounded meal.

• Coleslaw: The crunch and acidity of coleslaw make it a perfect refreshing side dish.
• Rice: Serve the wings over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Baked Potatoes: Rustic and filling, they provide a great contrast to the saucy wings.
• Grilled Vegetables: A side of grilled vegetables offers a healthy, colorful addition to your meal.
• Dip options: Offer some ranch or blue cheese dressing for those who enjoy dipping their wings.
• Perfect for gatherings: These wings are a crowd-pleaser at parties, making them an ideal choice for game day!

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Coca-Cola Chicken Wings are a fantastic dish that brings a unique flavor to the table with minimal effort. The sweet and savory combination is sure to please a crowd, making it an ideal choice for your next gathering. I encourage you to try this recipe tonight; it’s a crispy, sticky, and utterly delicious treat that everyone will love!

Coca-Cola Chicken Wings

The ultimate comfort food, Coca-Cola Chicken Wings are sweet, savory, and sticky. Perfect for gatherings or a weeknight dinner, these wings are coated in a deliciously caramelized sauce. With minimal effort, you can impress your guests with this easy, lip-smacking recipe!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/2 pounds chicken wings
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large lime
• 2 stalks scallions
• 16.9 ounce bottle Coca-Cola
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 6 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 inch piece ginger, sliced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Peeler
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Large Pot
• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures the wings will cook evenly and become crispy. As the oven heats, take your chicken wings and use a sharp knife to prick the back of each wing. This allows the flavors to penetrate better while cooking.
2. Next, pat the wings dry with paper towels. This is an important step that helps achieve crispy skin by removing excess moisture. Once dry, arrange them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper and sprinkle them evenly with salt.
3. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the wings in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be lightly browned and cooked through. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come.
4. While the wings are baking, let’s prepare the sauce. Use a vegetable peeler to remove four strips of zest from the lime and then cut the lime in half. Squeeze two tablespoons of fresh lime juice into a saucepan.
5. Chop the scallions in half and add the white bottom part to the saucepan, reserving the green part for garnish later. Finely chop the green part and set it aside; we’ll need it shortly.
6. To the saucepan, add the lime zest, Coca-Cola, soy sauce, smashed garlic, and sliced ginger. This mixture is what makes your wings so flavorful!
7. Bring the cola mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken and reduce by about half. The sweet smell of the sauce will have everyone eagerly waiting.
8. Once it’s reduced, drain out the solids. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with one tablespoon of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce even more.
9. Stir this cornstarch mixture into the cola sauce and cook for an additional three minutes. You’ll notice it starting to get even thicker. When it’s done, turn off the heat.
10. Now for the exciting part! Pour half of the sauce into a large bowl and mix well with butter. The butter adds a rich finish to the sauce. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving later.
11. After 25 minutes, your wings should be ready. Remove them from the oven, and in a large bowl, toss the wings in the cola mixture until they are well coated. Return the wings to the baking pan and bake for an additional five minutes. This final bake allows the sauce to caramelize, giving the wings a beautiful, glossy finish.
12. Finally, serve your Coca-Cola Chicken Wings immediately, drizzled with the reserved sauce. Garnish with the chopped scallions and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds on top for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before baking or frying. This helps to achieve crispy skin.
• Tip 2: Prick the back of the chicken wings with a sharp knife, which helps the flavors penetrate better.
• Tip 3: The final bake after coating the wings with the sauce should be brief. This step caramelizes the sauce and gives the wings a glossy finish. Be careful not to overbake, which will lead to a sticky texture.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.