Pepsi-Cola Chicken
Pepsi-Cola Chicken offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile with a hint of caramelized richness from the cola. Perfect for casual dinners, it pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice, making it an easy and flavorful dish suitable for family meals and entertaining guests alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in a frying pan.
- Pour ketchup and Pepsi over the chicken.
- Cover the pan with a lid.
- Cook on medium heat until the chicken is tender, about 45 minutes.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of ketchup and Pepsi for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the Pepsi with any cola for a similar sweetness. If you want a bit of spice, add some hot sauce or pepper flakes to the ketchup. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken from other recipes, like Chicken-Cheese Chowder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pepsi-Cola chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad adds a nice contrast. This dish also pairs beautifully with Easy Make Dressing drizzled over greens for a refreshing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pepsi-Cola chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, and cover until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepsi-Cola Chicken contains roughly 116 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1062mg per serving (46% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works well in this recipe, but adjust the cooking time to 25-30 minutes, as it will cook faster than bone-in pieces. Ensure it's cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I use instead of ketchup?
If you want a different flavor profile, you can substitute ketchup with barbecue sauce or a homemade tomato sauce. Just keep in mind that this may alter the sweetness and overall flavor of the dish.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make Pepsi-Cola chicken in a slow cooker, place the chicken and sauce ingredients in the cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method will result in tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.
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).