Root Beer Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with irresistibly sticky and savory Root Beer Chicken! This mouthwatering dish combines tender, golden-seared chicken thighs with a bold sauce made from root beer, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and umami flavors. A quick cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to a glossy finish, beautifully coating each piece for maximum flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is delightfully simple yet packed with comfort-food vibes. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side. Perfect for family dinners, backyard gatherings, or any time you crave a unique twist on classic barbecue!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 cups root beer
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 stalks green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, pour in the root beer, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover with a lid and cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to coat it in the sauce.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry.
Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the skillet.
Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.
Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon the sauce over the top, and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of your choice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
519 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.3 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 157 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 1596 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.6 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.8 g | ||
| Protein | 40.6 g | 81% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 62 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 598 mg | 13% | |
*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.
