Coca-Cola Chicken is a fun and flavorful dish that uses the sweetness and caramel notes of Coca-Cola to create a sticky, savory glaze for tender chicken. The soda helps to balance the salty soy sauce and tangy ketchup, creating a sauce that’s both sweet and slightly tangy. As the chicken simmers, it absorbs all the rich flavors, resulting in a deliciously tender and juicy dish. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
- 1 can (12 oz) Coca-Cola
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the Coca-Cola, soy sauce, and ketchup, stirring to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until it is cooked through and the sauce has thickened into a sticky glaze.
- If the sauce reduces too much, add a bit of water to adjust the consistency. Once done, remove the chicken and spoon the glaze over the top.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, and serve with rice or your favorite side.
Enjoy this sweet, savory, and sticky Coca-Cola chicken for a delightful meal!