Cola Chicken
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with Cola Chicken—an irresistible, sweet-and-savory dish that brings comfort food to a whole new level. This easy one-pan recipe combines bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with the bold flavors of cola, ketchup, soy sauce, and fragrant garlic, creating a sticky, tangy glaze that perfectly caramelizes the meat. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a rich sauce that thickens as it simmers, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The addition of red chili flakes offers optional heat, while a crispy sear on the chicken locks in juiciness and golden flavor. Serve Cola Chicken with fluffy steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables for a satisfying meal everyone will crave. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's as easy to make as it is to devour!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- 1 cup Cola (regular, not diet)
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, then flip and sear the other side for 3-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the cola, ketchup, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the chicken thighs back into the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the sauce. Sprinkle red chili flakes, if using, for added heat.
Cover and simmer the chicken on low heat for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and glazing. The sauce should thicken as it cooks.
Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), remove the lid and let the sauce reduce for another 5 minutes, basting the chicken with the thickened sauce.
Serve the cola chicken hot, garnished with freshly chopped herbs if desired. Pair with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1547 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.3 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.6 g | 108% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 376 mg | 125% | |
| Sodium | 4865 mg | 212% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 97.2 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 73.2 g | ||
| Protein | 85.8 g | 172% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 90 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.9 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 1197 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
