Description
Coca Cola Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where chicken thighs are browned and then simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made from cola, ketchup, garlic, and a blend of spices. This recipe yields tender, juicy chicken with a caramelized glaze, perfect served with rice and steamed vegetables for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- ½ small yellow onion (diced)
- 12 ounces cola (regular or diet)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken skin side down and cook just until browned on each side, about 5 minutes in total. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, combine diced onions, cola, ketchup, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dried oregano, and dry mustard powder. Pour this mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer with Lid On: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Simmer the chicken for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook partially through.
- Simmer with Lid Off: Remove the lid and continue to simmer the chicken uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionally to glaze it evenly and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sauce thickens into a caramelized glaze.
- Serve: Remove chicken from the skillet and serve hot alongside rice and steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute drumsticks if preferred, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- Regular or diet cola can be used, but diet cola may result in a less sweet sauce.
- Make sure to monitor the chicken’s internal temperature for safety; it should reach 165°F.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
