Coca Cola Chicken

Coca cola chicken is one of the easiest recipes available. You just need very few ingredients like one of our favorite softdrinks, coca cola or coke. Since coke is carbonated drink, it will act as a tenderizer and will give a delicious flavor on the dish. A perfect recipe for those who can’t think of a tasty and easy to make chicken dish.

Coca Cola Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Twist on Classic Chicken Wings

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with a home-cooked meal that brings back memories. Coca Cola chicken is one of those simple yet flavorful recipes that transports me back to weekend gatherings with family. I first learned about this dish from my Auntie Lina, who introduced us to the idea of cooking with Coca Cola. At first, we were all skeptical—using soda in a savory dish? But, as it turns out, this sweet and savory chicken dish is as delicious as it is unique. And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes to prepare it.

If you’re looking for an easy recipe that’s big on flavor, this recipe might just be your new favorite.

Why Cook Chicken with Coca Cola?

One of the special things about Coca Cola chicken is the unexpected role that Coca Cola plays in the cooking process. Not only does it add a touch of sweetness, but the carbonation helps to tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. Auntie Lina swears by this technique, and after trying it, I can see why it’s so popular. The sugars in Coca Cola caramelize as the sauce reduces, forming a delicious glaze that coats each piece of chicken perfectly.

The concept of cooking with sweet ingredients isn’t new in Filipino cuisine—dishes like humba and adobo sa asukal also incorporate sugar or sweeteners to balance savory flavors. Here, Coca Cola provides a modern twist, adding both sweetness and depth to the dish in a way that sugar alone might not achieve.

Preparing the Ingredients for Coca Cola Chicken

To start, you’ll need chicken wings, soy sauce, cooking oil, Coca Cola, oyster sauce, garlic, onion, a bit of salt and pepper, and a touch of ketchup. This mix of ingredients might seem unusual, but each one has a specific role. The soy sauce and oyster sauce add a savory depth, while the ketchup boosts the tomato flavor and contributes to the glaze.

Back in my Tita Maribel’s kitchen, she’d insist on using “just the right amount” of Coca Cola—not too much, or it would overpower the dish, and not too little, or the sauce wouldn’t glaze properly. Following her advice, I make sure to pour just enough to cover the chicken wings in the pan, allowing the flavors to blend without diluting the sauce.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Coca Cola Chicken

To begin, you’ll want to prepare the chicken wings by cutting each wing into two pieces and marinating them briefly in soy sauce. This quick marinade adds flavor to the chicken before it even hits the pan. After just a few minutes, heat some oil in a pan and lightly fry the chicken wings until they’re a golden brown. This step not only locks in the flavor but also gives the chicken a bit of color, which makes the final dish even more appetizing.

Once the wings are browned, transfer them to a larger pan or wok. This is where the magic really happens. Pour in the Coca Cola, add oyster sauce, garlic, onion, and a touch of ketchup, then season with salt and pepper. As my cousin Carlo once said, “It looks a bit strange at first,” as the soda bubbles up and the ingredients mix. But don’t worry—this is all part of the process!

Cook the chicken on medium heat, turning the pieces occasionally to make sure each side gets a nice, even coat of sauce. As the mixture cooks, the liquid will start to evaporate, and you’ll notice the sauce becoming thicker. This reduction process is essential because it concentrates the flavors and creates that beautiful, sticky glaze that makes Coca Cola chicken so irresistible.

The Perfect Glaze: Timing is Everything

One of the most important tips for Coca Cola chicken is to keep an eye on the sauce as it reduces. My Uncle Boy once taught me this trick after a minor kitchen mishap: as the sauce thickens, it can burn quickly. So, as you reach the final stages, stay close to the stove and give the chicken an occasional stir. The goal is to let most of the liquid evaporate until only a thick glaze remains, clinging to each piece of chicken.

When the glaze has reached that perfect sticky consistency, you know it’s ready to serve. Arrange the wings on a platter with some fresh lettuce leaves and cucumber slices for a bit of contrast, and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma and sweet-savory flavor that this chicken dish is famous for.

A Brief History: Sweet Ingredients in Savory Dishes

For those curious about the origins of this sweet-and-savory combination, Coca Cola chicken is believed to have roots in various Asian cuisines, where sugary elements are often used to balance out salty or savory flavors. In the Philippines, using sweet ingredients in main dishes isn’t unusual. We have dishes like adobo sa atswete and lechon paksiw that showcase this balance beautifully. With its playful twist, fits right into this tradition, blending the sweetness of Coca Cola with the rich flavors of soy and oyster sauces.

Cooking this chicken dish has become somewhat of a tradition in my family, especially when we’re looking for something simple yet satisfying. It’s a dish that brings smiles to everyone’s faces, from the young ones curious about “soda chicken” to the older folks who appreciate the hint of nostalgia in each bite.

Serve and Enjoy

Coca Cola chicken is a dish that truly celebrates the best of both worlds—the sweetness of Coca Cola and the savory richness of a classic chicken recipe. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a potluck with friends, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

So, next time you’re in the kitchen looking for an easy chicken recipe with a unique twist, give this a try. It’s a dish that’s more than just a meal; it’s a story, a memory, and a delightful experience to share with those you love.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Coca Cola Chicken

Coca Cola Chicken is a savory-sweet dish where tender chicken wings are simmered in Coca Cola, creating a deliciously caramelized glaze that’s both unique and flavorful.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Chicken Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: chicken recipe, coca cola chicken, coke chicken recipe, pinoy chicken recipe, sweet chicken recipe

Servings: 3 servings

Calories: 370kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

• 1/2 kilo chicken breast or wings
• 500 ml Coca Cola soft drink
• 1 Tbsp. oyster sauce
• 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup banana or tomato ketchup
• 1 pc medium red onion minced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. salt or to taste
• lettuce and sliced cucumber for garnishing

Instructions

How to cook Coca Cola Chicken:

• Cut the chicken wings in two pieces. Put in a bowl and add soy sauce. Mix and marinate for a few minutes.
• Heat cooking oil in a pan and fry the chicken wings until slightly brown.
• Place chicken pieces in wok or pan. Add coca-cola drink, oyster sauce, garlic, onion, salt, pepper and ketchup.
• Cook on medium heat, turning pieces often. It will look rather gross when if first starts cooking.
• Eventually, the liquid will evaporate, and will form a glaze on the chicken.
• Cook until most of the liquid is gone.
• Be very careful to keep a close eye on the chicken, as towards the end the liquid evaporates quickly and it can burn very easily. Serve and garnish with lettuce and sliced cucumber.
• It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to cook.

Video

Watch the Video on How to Cook Coca-Cola Chicken:

Notes

Cooking Tips:

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: To enhance the flavor of your Coca-Cola chicken, allow the chicken to marinate in the soy sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the meat to absorb the savory flavors of the sauce, resulting in a more delicious and tender dish. For even better results, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for a deeper infusion of flavors.
2. Adjust the Sweetness: While Coca-Cola adds a natural sweetness to the dish, you can customize the level of sweetness to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a bit more Coca-Cola to the sauce during the cooking process. On the other hand, if you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of Coca-Cola and balance it with additional soy sauce or other savory ingredients like Worcestershire sauce.
3. Watch the Cooking Time and Temperature: It's important to closely monitor the cooking time and temperature to avoid overcooking or burning the chicken. As the liquid evaporates and forms a glaze, the chicken can quickly go from perfectly cooked to burnt if left unattended. Keep the heat at medium to prevent the glaze from burning too quickly. Towards the end of the cooking process, reduce the heat slightly and continue turning the chicken pieces frequently to ensure they are evenly coated and cooked until most of the liquid is gone.