Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and tender dish that practically makes itself. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, the chicken cooks low and slow in a rich cola-based sauce that’s full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a fuss-free family dinner.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighsCoca-Cola (regular, not diet)ketchupsoy saucesalt and peppergarlic powderonion powderoptional: cornstarch (for thickening)

directions

Place chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker.

In a bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Pour the sauce over the chicken.

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

For a thicker sauce, remove chicken and set aside. Mix 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water and stir into the sauce. Cook on high for 15–20 minutes until thickened, then return chicken to the pot.

Shred the chicken or leave whole, and spoon sauce over top when serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on highTotal time: up to 7 hours 5 minutes

Variations

Use BBQ sauce in place of ketchup for a smoky twist.

Add sliced onions or bell peppers to cook with the chicken.

Swap Coca-Cola for Dr Pepper or root beer for different flavor profiles.

Add a splash of hot sauce or chili flakes for heat.

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or buns for sandwiches.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use diet cola?

Regular cola is recommended for flavor and caramelization—diet varieties may affect taste and texture.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but be sure to increase the cooking time and check for doneness.

Is this dish very sweet?

It has a mild sweetness balanced by the savory soy sauce and seasonings.

Can I make this with bone-in chicken?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

It should shred easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—use a larger slow cooker and keep the same cooking times.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken is a low-effort, high-reward dish that delivers tender, flavorful chicken in a sweet and savory sauce. With just a few pantry staples and your slow cooker, you can have a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal ready to go with minimal hands-on time.

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