Coca Cola Braised Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 boneless chicken thighs, cut into ¼-inch chunks
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1- inch piece ginger, sliced
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 can Coca-Cola, see note 1
Optional Garnish:
- Soft-boiled egg
- Steamed greens
Instructions
- Finely mince the onion and garlic, slice the ginger, and cut the chicken into ¼-inch chunks.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the onions and garlic for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook the chicken and ginger until browned on all sides, about 3 minutes.
- Add dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, five-spice powder, Coca-Cola, and the cooked onions and garlic. Bring to a boil.
- Cover with a lid and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, increase the heat to high, and cook until the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Spoon over rice and garnish with a soft-boiled egg and steamed greens, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Table of Contents
- Coca Cola Braised Chicken Recipe
- Sticky, Sweet, and Savory Coca Cola Braised Chicken
- Why Braising With Coke Works So Well
- Ingredients for Coca Cola Braised Chicken
- How to Make Coca Cola Braised Chicken
- This Sauce Is Next-Level Good
- Why This Is One of My Go-To Weeknight Dinners
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Weeknight Dinners You’ll Love
Sticky, Sweet, and Savory Coca Cola Braised Chicken
I know braising chicken in Coca-Cola might sound a little wild, but stay with me, it’s one of the easiest ways to get ultra-tender chicken with a glossy, sweet-savory glaze. The soda reduces into a sticky sauce that clings to every bite, while soy sauce and five-spice balance it out with deep umami and warmth. It’s a fast, fuss-free dinner that tastes like it took hours. Add a jammy egg and some steamed greens, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort bowl.
Why Braising With Coke Works So Well
The sugar in Coca-Cola caramelizes as it simmers, creating a naturally thick and shiny glaze without needing extra sweeteners. Its acidity helps tenderize the chicken, while dark and light soy sauces add complexity and depth. A pinch of five-spice brings everything together with an aromatic, slightly spiced undertone. It’s surprisingly balanced and feels way more gourmet than you’d expect.
Ingredients for Coca Cola Braised Chicken
Chicken
- 2 boneless chicken thighs, cut into ¼-inch chunks
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 can Coca-Cola (12 oz)
Optional Garnish
- Soft-boiled egg
- Steamed greens (bok choy, Chinese broccoli, spinach, etc.)
How to Make Coca Cola Braised Chicken
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Start by finely mincing the onion and garlic. Slice the ginger and cut the chicken into small ¼-inch pieces for quick cooking.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Add the chicken and sliced ginger to the same pan and sear until browned on all sides, about 3 minutes.
Return the sautéed onion and garlic to the pan, then pour in dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, five-spice powder, and a full can of Coca-Cola.
Bring everything to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Remove the lid, turn the heat to high, and let the sauce reduce until thick and glossy, it should cling to the chicken in a shiny glaze.
Serve hot over steamed rice with a soft-boiled egg and greens for the full experience.
This Sauce Is Next-Level Good
The combo of soy sauce and five-spice powder gives the sauce a backbone of salt, warmth, and umami. But the real magic happens when the Coke reduces, it transforms into a syrupy glaze that’s sweet, salty, and absolutely addictive. It’s glossy, deep brown, and packed with flavor. You’ll want to spoon it over everything.
Why This Is One of My Go-To Weeknight Dinners
What I love about Coca Cola Braised Chicken is how fast and flexible it is. You can make it on a random Tuesday night with pantry staples, and it still tastes special. It’s perfect over a bed of fluffy white rice, especially with some sautéed bok choy or spinach to balance the richness. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can meal prep a few servings for the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Coke Zero or Diet Coke instead?
I would highly recommend sticking with regular Coca-Cola for this one. The sugar is essential for creating that sticky, caramelized glaze. Diet versions won’t reduce the same way.
Does this taste like soda?
Not at all. The soda cooks down and loses its fizzy sweetness. What’s left is a rich, slightly sweet sauce that doesn’t taste like you’re eating dessert for dinner.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
Use both dark and light soy sauces if you can, dark soy gives the dish its rich color and sweetness, while light soy adds salt and umami. If you only have one, just adjust to taste.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes. Chicken breast works too, though it won’t be quite as juicy. You could also use bone-in thighs, but you’ll need to increase the braising time slightly.
How do I make soft-boiled eggs for garnish?
Boil eggs for 6 to 6.5 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Peel and slice just before serving. They go perfectly with the sticky glaze and fluffy rice.
More Easy Weeknight Dinners You’ll Love
Craving something similar? Try my Three Cup Chicken! It has similar soy flavors but with a Taiwanese twist.
Love sweet and savory? My Char Siu Chicken hits the spot in under 30 minutes.
Need a crispy fix? You’ll love my Honey Butter Chicken Tenders.
