Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and hands-off cooking. The Coca-Cola adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that balances perfectly with savory soy sauce and spices. Slow cooking makes the chicken fall-off-the-bone tender and juicy, ideal for serving over rice or in sandwiches.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin removed)
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Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
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Soy sauce
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Ketchup
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Garlic (minced)
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Onion powder
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Black pepper
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Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Directions
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Place chicken pieces in the slow cooker.
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In a bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Optional: Remove chicken and reduce sauce by simmering it in a saucepan until thickened for a glaze. Pour sauce over chicken before serving.
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Serve hot over rice or with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 3-7 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
Variations
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Use boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option (reduce cooking time).
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Add chopped bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra flavor.
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Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
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Use diet cola or other cola brands, but regular Coca-Cola provides best caramelization.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but cook for less time to avoid drying out.
Why not use diet Coke?
Regular Coca-Cola caramelizes better, adding depth and sweetness.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the slow cook setting or pressure cook for 15-20 minutes.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild; add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
What sides go well with this chicken?
Rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer sauce separately until thickened or add a cornstarch slurry.
Can I add ginger or other spices?
Yes, fresh ginger or five-spice powder complements the flavors.
Is the skin better on or off?
Removing skin helps reduce fat and prevents sogginess in slow cooking.
How do I serve this dish?
Over steamed rice, noodles, or in wraps for a tasty meal.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken is a flavorful, tender dish that’s incredibly easy to make with a unique sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for busy days, this recipe delivers delicious comfort food with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-7 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken features tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from Coca-Cola, soy sauce, and spices. This easy, hands-off recipe yields juicy, flavorful chicken with a delicious caramelized glaze—perfect for effortless weeknight dinners served over rice or in sandwiches.
Ingredients
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4 chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin removed)
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1 cup Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
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½ cup soy sauce
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¼ cup ketchup
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
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Place chicken pieces in the slow cooker.
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In a bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Pour sauce mixture over the chicken.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
-
Optional: Remove chicken and simmer sauce in a saucepan until thickened to make a glaze. Pour over chicken before serving.
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Serve hot over rice or with your favorite sides.
Notes
Use boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option; reduce cooking time accordingly.Add chopped bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra flavor and texture.Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh finish.Regular Coca-Cola caramelizes best; diet versions don’t brown as well.Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently.
