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Super Easy Coca Cola Chicken – This easiest Coca Cola Chicken comes together in about 20 minutes. Unbelievably delicious and it’s really moist in texture! All you need is only 3 ingredients: Chicken wings or chicken drumsticks, Coca-Cola and soy sauce. Simply Yummy! Quick and easy dinner recipe. | tipbuzz.com

Coca cola chicken features juicy chicken wings or drumsticks coated in a delicious cola sauce. This crowd-pleaser is a 20-minute dinner idea that even picky eaters will love, and it’s also perfect for game day. Plus video tutorial!

Coca Cola Chicken legs piled on a serving platter and garnished with minced green onion for a party

So many of us have coke chicken memories from parents, grandparents or friends. It’s not gourmet cooking so-to-speak, but its sweet and savory flavors are oh-so-satisfying! This dish is common in China, and it’s becoming popular stateside too.

The cola tenderizes the chicken during cooking while imparting a delicious caramel flavor. Pair with some mashed potatoes or rice and a vegetable like broccoli for a winning meal!

WHAT KIND OF CHICKEN SHOULD I USE?

Coca cola chicken is normally made with wings or drumsticks, especially when being served as a party appetizer.

Drizzling the delicious sweet and savory sauce on top of coke chicken on a serving plate

Chicken thighs work well when you want to make a more substantial dinner. Chicken breasts will also work but require extra care to avoid drying out, i.e. use an instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness.

WHAT KIND OF COLA SHOULD I USE?

Use your preferred cola to make this dish. The taste will be similar whether you make coke chicken or pepsi chicken! If you’re watching your sugar intake, then you can easily use a diet soda with no sugar instead.

Overhead photo showing adding the coca cola to the skillet after browning the chicken pieces when making coca cola chicken

HOW TO MAKE COCA COLA CHICKEN

The fastest and easiest way to make coke chicken is by sauteeing, and it only takes 20 minutes to get tender chicken! All you need is a frying pan, some chicken, soy sauce and cola.

Baking is an alternative method producing crispier meat, and you’ll need at least 30 minutes of baking time at 350°F (177°C). Plan on basting several times with the sauce for best results.

WATCH HOW TO MAKE COCA COLA CHICKEN:

Coca Cola Chicken pan fried to tender and juicy perfection and drizzled with its own sweet and savory sauce on a serving plate, garnished with green onion for an easy party appetizer or dinner idea
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4.20 from 5 votes

3 Ingredient Coca Cola Chicken (with Video)

Coca cola chicken features juicy chicken wings or drumsticks coated in a delicious cola sauce. This crowd-pleaser is a 20-minute dinner idea that even picky eaters will love, and it's also perfect for game day. Plus video tutorial!
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients 

  • 10-12 chicken pieces, wings or drumsticks, skin-on or off (see note)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 8 oz cola, 1 cup
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Serving - optional

  • green onions, minced
  • rice, or mashed potatoes

Instructions 

  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil.
  • Add the chicken pieces, making sure not to crowd the pan.
  • Fry 5 minutes, turning every minute or two for even browning.
  • Add soy sauce and cola to the pan and bring to a boil.
  • Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • The sauce should be thickening, but if not remove the lid and boil for 1-3 minutes more.
  • Remove to a plate and drizzle sauce on top.
  • Garnish with green onion. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • I recommend using chicken wings or chicken drumsticks for this recipe. For larger servings, you can also use chicken thighs or legs but cooking time will be longer. For chicken breasts, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) measured with an instant-read thermometer.
Nutrition Facts
3 Ingredient Coca Cola Chicken (with Video)
Amount per Serving
Calories
138
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
10
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Cholesterol
 
44
mg
15
%
Sodium
 
872
mg
36
%
Potassium
 
137
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
3
g
1
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Net Carbs
 
3
g
6
%
Protein
 
14
g
28
%
Vitamin A
 
50
IU
1
%
Calcium
 
10
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.9
mg
5
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Please read our nutrition disclaimer.

Author: Cindy
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Keyword: coca cola chicken
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below!

EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING COCA COLA CHICKEN

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Editor note: Originally published July 5, 2017 and updated March 6, 2019