Diet Cola Chicken
Craving a bold, comforting dinner that’s as easy as it is flavorful? This Diet Cola Chicken recipe is a unique twist on classic skillet chicken, combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with a tangy, sweet-and-savory sauce made from diet cola, low-sugar ketchup, and a splash of soy sauce. Seasoned with garlic, onion, and smoky paprika, every bite is bursting with rich flavors that perfectly balance indulgence and lighter cooking. Simmered to perfection, the sauce thickens to coat the chicken in a glossy, irresistible glaze. Ready in under an hour, this low-calorie, weeknight-friendly meal is a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Serve it with steamed veggies or fluffy rice for a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (12 oz) Diet cola
- 0.5 cup Tomato ketchup (low-sugar or regular)
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the diet cola, tomato ketchup, and soy sauce. Mix well to combine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Bring the cola mixture to a light simmer and place the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat.
Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer gently for 30-35 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. The sauce should thicken and coat the chicken nicely as it cooks.
Check that the chicken is fully cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part; it should read 165°F (74°C). If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.
Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Spoon any remaining sauce over the top.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1445 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.6 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 4064 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.7 g | ||
| Protein | 221.8 g | 444% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 136 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 2435 mg | 52% | |
*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.
