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.
I know braising chicken in Coca-Cola sounds a little wild but trust me, it works. The cola caramelizes into a rich, glossy sauce that coats every piece of chicken perfectly. The sweetness from the cola balances the saltiness from the soy sauce and the warmth from the five-spice powder, creating a deep, complex flavor. The chicken stays juicy and tender, and that sticky, shiny glaze is what makes this dish irresistible. It’s quick, easy, and honestly better than takeout.
Braising with Coke?
I’ll admit, I was skeptical the first time I tried cooking with Coca-Cola…but it totally works! The sugar in the Coke caramelizes as it cooks down, creating a rich, slightly sweet glaze while also giving the chicken a rich deep color. The acidity helps tenderize the chicken, while the soy sauce and five-spice powder balance out the sweetness with savory and aromatic notes. It’s like magic in a pan.
This Sauce is Next-Level Good
What makes this sauce stand out is how simple it is. The combination of dark and light soy sauce creates depth and saltiness, while the five-spice powder adds a warm, slightly spiced note. But the magic happens when the Coke reduces down…it turns into a thick, glossy coating that clings to the chicken. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to lick the spoon.
Why Coca Cola Braised Chicken Is Versatile
For a quick and tasty weeknight meal, I add my favorite green vegetable (bok choi) and a bowl of rice. Coca Cola Braised Chicken is a quick and easy weeknight meal or something I can whip up after hanging out with friends.
Coca Cola Braised Chicken can be easily doubled or tripled for meal prep. It’s also a crowd-favorite meal at Friendsgiving or a potluck. Ask people if they can taste the “secret” ingredient. In fact, the flavors have a chance to combine and mellow out, so I think the dish is better the next day!
