Description
This Coca-Cola Chicken features tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from Coca-Cola and barbecue sauce, enhanced with spices and aromatics. It’s a comforting dish perfect for family meals, best served over rice or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning the chicken)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken thighs. If they are not already trimmed, remove any excess fat and skin. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely if you choose to sear them.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure to coat both sides evenly for maximum flavor.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. This step is optional but adds depth to the dish.
- Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. If you skipped the searing step, simply place the raw chicken thighs directly into the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet used for searing (or a separate bowl if you skipped searing), combine the Coca-Cola, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and sliced onion. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to bubble for about 5 minutes. This will help meld the flavors together and slightly reduce the sauce.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender the chicken will become.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, check the chicken. If you want a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid and let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker using tongs. Place them on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Using a ladle, spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken. Make sure to cover the chicken generously for added flavor.
- If desired, you can shred the chicken using two forks for a pulled chicken style. This works well if you want to serve it on buns or over rice.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Serve the Coca-Cola chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- This dish also works great in sandwiches or sliders. Simply shred the chicken and serve it on toasted buns with extra barbecue sauce.
- Pair with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
- Leftover Coca-Cola chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes