Coca-Cola Chicken Recipe

Coca-Cola Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a flavorful sauce made with Coca-Cola, soy sauce, vinegar, and aromatic spices.

Why Make Coca-Cola Chicken?

Coca-Cola Chicken is a delicious twist on traditional chicken recipes. The sweetness of the Coca-Cola caramelizes as it cooks, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.

How to Make Coca-Cola Chicken

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. This not only flavors the chicken but also helps to draw out moisture, aiding in the browning process.
Brown the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced ginger, chopped garlic, and sliced green chilies. Sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Deglaze the Pan and Add Liquids:
- Pour in the Coca-Cola, soy sauce, and white vinegar. Stir to combine and to lift any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This will enrich the sauce with flavors from the chicken.
Add Spices and Simmer:
- Add the star anise and chili flakes or Thai chili pepper to the pan. Stir well to incorporate.
Cook the Chicken in the Sauce:
- Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the chicken cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a thick, glossy glaze.
Final Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili, as needed.
Serve:
- Serve the Coca-Cola Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch. This dish goes well with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Coca-Cola Chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced dinner.

Storage Information

Store any leftover Coca-Cola Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Some Techniques or Tips

Make sure to brown the chicken thighs well before simmering them in the sauce. This will help to develop rich flavor and color.
Adjust the amount of chili flakes or Thai chili pepper to suit your heat preference.
For a slightly thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce during the final minutes of cooking.

FAQs about Coca-Cola Chicken

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just reduce the cooking time slightly, as they will cook faster than bone-in thighs.

2. Can I use other sodas instead of Coca-Cola?

Yes, you can experiment with other sodas such as Pepsi or Dr. Pepper, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Coca-Cola Chicken ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to store it properly in the refrigerator.

RECIPE

Ingredients:

8-10 chicken thighs, skin on for best flavor
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
5 cloves of garlic, chopped
3 green chilies, sliced (adjust based on heat preference)
1 cup Coca-Cola
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 tablespoons white vinegar
2 star anise
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (or Thai chili pepper for more heat)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. This not only flavors the chicken but also helps to draw out moisture, aiding in the browning process.

Brown the Chicken:

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics:

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced ginger, chopped garlic, and sliced green chilies. Sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.

Deglaze the Pan and Add Liquids:

Pour in the Coca-Cola, soy sauce, and white vinegar. Stir to combine and to lift any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This will enrich the sauce with flavors from the chicken.

Add Spices and Simmer:

Add the star anise and chili flakes or Thai chili pepper to the pan. Stir well to incorporate.

Cook the Chicken in the Sauce:

Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the chicken cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a thick, glossy glaze.

Final Seasoning:

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili, as needed.

Serve:

Serve the Coca-Cola Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch. This dish goes well with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.