Sticky Coca-Cola chicken
A surprising twist
Our Indonesian style chicken wings have become a regular at many get togethers.
But sometimes you just want something different. Something just as addictive, but with an unexpected twist. That is exactly what this Coca-Cola chicken is. Sticky, slightly sweet, and at the same time savory, with a flavor that keeps you reaching for more. It is seriously good.
Where does Coca-Cola chicken come from?
Even though it may sound like a modern food trend, Coca-Cola chicken is very popular in Asian cooking. In China especially, this dish is well known. The secret lies in the combination of soda with umami rich ingredients such as soy sauce, ketchup, and sugar. The cola is not used as a drink here, but as a flavor base. Think of it as a liquid glaze that slowly caramelizes in the oven into a thick, glossy sauce.
No diet coke!
For this recipe, it is important to use regular cola. No diet, zero, or max versions. The sugar in regular cola is essential for the flavor and texture of the sauce. It creates that sticky coating and beautiful shine. Without sugar, there is no glaze, and that would be a shame for these chicken wings.
Sticky and irresistible
We usually make this recipe with about 2 lb chicken wings. They go into the oven first with some salt, pepper, and paprika powder, and are then coated in a mixture of cola, ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar. After that, the oven does the rest, and in about 30 minutes they are ready.
During that time, the sauce thickens and clings to every piece of chicken. The result is tender on the inside and perfectly sticky on the outside. Ideal for a party, movie night, or simply when you are craving something good.
Also great with rice or salad
Although these wings are perfect as an appetizer or party snack, you can easily serve them as part of dinner. Add a bowl of steamed white rice and a fresh salad or some sliced cucumber and you have a complete meal. That said, they are just as good straight from a big serving dish, napkins close by, and everyone helping themselves.
Sticky Coca-Cola chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sticky, slightly sweet, and at the same time savory, with a flavor that keeps you reaching for more. It is seriously good.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 lb chicken wings
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 can regular cola (12 oz)
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Season about 2 1/4 lb chicken wings all over with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place them in a large baking dish and set in the center of the oven.
- Meanwhile, pour 1 (12 oz) can of cola into a small saucepan and bring it just to a gentle boil.
- Add 2/3 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 to 3 pressed garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Whisk everything together until combined.
- Keep stirring regularly until the sauce starts to thicken. This takes about 15 minutes. Make sure the sauce becomes slightly syrupy but not overly thick.
- After 15 to 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and pour a little more than half of the sauce over the wings. Toss well so every piece is coated.
- Return the wings to the oven for about 30 minutes. Turn them halfway through.
- Let the remaining sauce continue to simmer until thick and glossy. About 5 minutes before the end of the baking time, remove the wings once more and brush them all over with the thickened sauce. Place them back in the oven and watch carefully so they do not burn.
- Serve as an appetizer or snack, or pair with steamed white rice and a fresh salad (like coleslaw) or pickled vegetables.
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: Chinese
