Pepsi Chicken
Pepsi Chicken combines the sweetness of Pepsi with the tanginess of ketchup, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing the slow cooker to do all the work while you enjoy the unique taste that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash chicken and pat dry.
- Put chicken into crock-pot.
- Add ketchup and Pepsi.
- Cook in crock-pot overnight or all day on low setting.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the ketchup and Pepsi mixture for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the fryer with bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for a juicier result. If you want a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. This dish is perfect for serving alongside sides like Four Bean Salad or Delicious Pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pepsi Chicken over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, use the chicken in tacos or sandwiches. This dish is also great to serve at gatherings alongside American recipes like Pineapple Upside-Down Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pepsi Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepsi Chicken contains roughly 68 calories, with 7g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% 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 diet Pepsi instead of regular Pepsi?
Yes, you can use diet Pepsi as a substitute if you're looking to reduce sugar content. The flavor may be slightly different, but it will still create a tasty dish. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level will be lower, so you may want to adjust the amount of ketchup used.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?
If the sauce is too runny for your liking, you can thicken it by removing the chicken once it's cooked and simmering the sauce in the crock-pot with the lid off for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it into the sauce until it thickens.
Can I cook this recipe in an oven instead of a crock-pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken in a baking dish, and pour the ketchup and Pepsi mixture over it. Cover with foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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).