Cola Barbecued Chicken
Sweet and tangy cola barbecued chicken features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful spice mix, then simmered in a rich tomato and cola sauce. Perfect for casual dinners or summer cookouts, this dish combines smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dust chicken breast halves with flour, shaking off excess.
- In a 10-inch skillet, heat vegetable oil over high heat.
- Add chicken and brown about 3 minutes on each side.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine tomato catsup, cola soft drink, sliced green onions, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a homemade Chicken Marinade for a few hours before cooking. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. You can substitute cola with root beer for a sweeter taste or use low-sodium ketchup to reduce salt content. Consider using skin-on chicken for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cola Barbecued Chicken with a side of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement the dish nicely. This recipe pairs beautifully with Chicken Broccoli And Rice for a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cola Barbecued Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cola Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 470 calories, with 22g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (89% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 615mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken adds flavor and moisture. However, adjust the cooking time to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the juices run clear.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt for a slow cooker, brown the chicken first, then combine all sauce ingredients in the cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
What can I use instead of tomato catsup?
If you don’t have tomato catsup, you can use barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile, or try a homemade version using crushed tomatoes with sugar and vinegar for sweetness and tang.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).