Not So Barbecued Chicken
A smoky, tangy chicken dish with a hint of sweetness, perfect for casual dinners. The ketchup and Coke sauce creates a flavorful glaze that pairs well with rice or potatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place oil in a skillet and arrange chicken breasts over the oil.
- In a bowl, mix the ketchup and Coca-Cola together.
- Pour the ketchup mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Cover and cook over medium to medium-high heat, turning the chicken once.
- Stir the gravy and continue cooking until it thickens.
- Cook for about 25-30 minutes until done.
- Serve the chicken with the gravy over mashed potatoes or rice, accompanied by a salad and crescent rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the ketchup and Coca-Cola mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have canola oil, feel free to substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil. To make it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce to the ketchup mixture. This dish can also be prepared using thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Not So Barbecued Chicken over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious gravy. A side salad and crescent rolls make for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Sweet 'N' Dill Pickles for a tangy contrast, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and gravy in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Not So Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 619 calories, with 5g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It's best to thaw frozen chicken breasts completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven doneness and longer cooking times.
What can I substitute for Coca-Cola?
If you prefer not to use Coca-Cola, you can substitute it with another cola beverage or a mixture of root beer and a little vinegar for a similar sweetness and tang. Alternatively, a homemade BBQ sauce could also work, but adjust the liquid content accordingly.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using skinless, boneless chicken thighs or subbing part of the ketchup with a low-sugar or homemade barbecue sauce. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables instead of mashed potatoes or rice for a lighter option that still complements the gravy.
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).