Pollo a la Coca Cola

Name: Pollo a la Coca Cola
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 8 chicken thigh ((bone-in)); salt and pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 onion (diced); 4 garlic cloves (finely minced); 1 cup Coca-Cola; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth ((to make more sauce add 2 cups)); 3 tbsp ketchup; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 1/2 tsp sugar; chopped parsley ((topping))

Published: Jan 12, 2023 · Updated: Nov 7, 2024 by Maggie Unzueta

Pollo a la Coca Cola is made of tender, juicy chicken cooked in the most amazing sauce. Serve with rice and veggies for a yummy weeknight meal.

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Pollo a la Coca Cola (or Coca Cola Chicken) served with white rice in a large plate.

Pollo a la Coca Cola in English means Coca Cola Chicken. It also means flavor!

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We love Coke in Mexico. So much so, that we even cook with it.

Think BBQ chicken taken up a notch. The sauce is sweet and incredibly tasty.

It’s an easy weeknight meal. Try it one the grill. This recipe is a keeper.

Table of Contents

1 Ingredients
2 Instructions
3 Storing Instructions
4 Frequently Asked Questions
5 Sides:
- 5.1 Hungry for More
6 Pollo a la Coca Cola

Ingredients

Chicken thighs (bone-in)
Salt and pepper
Olive Oil
Onion
Garlic cloves, finely minced
Coca-Cola
Chicken stock
Ketchup
Tomato paste
Sugar
Fresh parsley for garnish

To give it a little kick, add finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce to the sauce.

Regular Coke is best for this recipe. I do not recommend Coke Zero.

However, you can use Cherry Coke. You might also like Dr Pepper Chipotle BBQ Ribs.

Instructions

Seasoning chicken thighs with pepper and salt on a white plate.

Rinse and pat dry the chicken.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Bone-in and skin on chicken breasts is what we are using.

Crispy seared chicken skin smothered in a rich sauce… Yum! That’s what we’re going for.

Any cut of chicken is fine – breast, wings, drumsticks.

Or, change it up and cook on the grill. Just remember to adjust the cooking times.

Searing the chicken thighs in a large black skillet.

In a large skillet, heat the oil.
Work in batches to brown the chicken on all sides. About 5-8 minutes per side.

Move the chicken pieces as they are ready to a plate. Make it a deep plate. Some of the liquid will come out.

Please note that the chicken will not be fully cooked. Do not eat the chicken!

Feel free to add more oil if needed as you’re searing.

A skillet with white onion, garlic, and. more cooking to make the sauce.

Lower the heat to medium.
Add the onions and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Then pour in the Coca-Cola, ketchup, tomato paste, sugar and chicken broth.
Bring the mixture up to a boil.

With a spatula, scrape the bottom of the skillet. This will remove any browned bits that are stuck.

They have tons of flavor, and we want to release them into the sauce.

Similar to a Balsamic Reduction , as it cooks down the flavors will enhance.

Adding chicken thighs to a large skillet with sauce.

Return the chicken to the skillet.
Spoon some of the Coke sauce over the chicken.
Cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is done.

Check the chicken after 15 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add ½ cup more of the chicken broth.

The dish is ready when the juices of the chicken run clear and a kitchen thermometer reads 165 degrees F.

Storing Instructions

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Or place in a sealable bag and remove as much air as possible. Store up to 3 months in the freezer.

Pollo a la Coca Cola served with white rice in a large plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people put Coke on chicken?

Soda is used in marinades to tenderize the meat. It also gives the meat an acidic yet sweet flavor.

Can you marinate Coca Cola chicken?

Yes. This is a quick, weeknight recipe, but to really bring out the flavors marinate the chicken for 4 hours up to 8 hours.

How long should you cook bone-in chicken on the grill?

Chicken breast, bone-in (weight about 10 to 12 ounces) Cook for 30 to 40 minutes over indirect medium heat (350 °F) or until a thermometer registers 165°F.
Chicken legs or thigh, bone-in. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes over indirect medium heat (350 °F) or until a thermometer registers 165°F.
For chicken thigh, boneless, skinless (weight 4 ounces) Cook 8 to 10 minutes over direct high heat (450 – 650 °F)
Brush with sauce occasionally.

Sides:

Pollo a la Coca Cola will make you lick your plate clean. That rich sauce is ah-mazing! Drizzle with more sauce and enjoy.

Hungry for More

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About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

Comments

5 from 33 votes (32 ratings without comment)