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Yields:
4 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 40 mins
Cal/Serv:
545
Everything is better with a Coke… including chicken. Tangy, sweet, and savory, this grilled Coca-Cola chicken will hit every one of your taste buds. If you’re searching for a way to elevate your grilling game this summer, look no further—this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Coca-Cola chicken has many different origin stories but is largely believed to have emerged in Shandong, China, in the 1980s, when a cook accidentally spilled a can of Coca-Cola into a pot of braised chicken wings. I’ve Americanized this version of Coca-Cola chicken for your summer cookouts by adding a small amount of ketchup and Worcestershire, but kept soy sauce in the glaze to maintain that rich umami flavor. I used chicken thighs, but this recipe also works great on chicken breast if that's your thing.
You can make a batch of the glaze up to 5 days ahead and marinate your chicken in the spice rub up to 24 hours ahead. Any leftovers will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
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Ingredients
Dry Rub
- 2 tsp.
kosher salt
- 2 tsp.
paprika
- 1 tsp.
cayenne pepper
Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 lb.
boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Glaze
- 6 cups
Coca-Cola
- 1/3 cup
reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp.
Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp.
ketchup
- 1 Tbsp.
light brown sugar
Zest and juice from 1 lime, plus wedges for serving
- 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt
Neutral oil, for grill
Directions
Dry Rub
- Step 1In a large bowl, mix salt, paprika, cayenne, and a few grinds of black pepper. Rub chicken in spice mix until coated.
- Step 2Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
Glaze
- Step 1In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring soda to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced to about 3/4 cup, about 20 minutes. Whisk in soy sauce, Worcestershire, ketchup, brown sugar, lime zest and juice, and salt.
- Step 2Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; preheat 5 minutes (or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat). Brush grates or pan with oil. Using tongs, arrange chicken on grill. Brush exposed side of chicken with glaze.
- Step 3Grill chicken for 4 minutes. Flip, brush with glaze, and continue to grill for 4 minutes. Flip and brush one more time. Continue to grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of chicken registers 165°, about 4 minutes more.
- Step 4 Transfer to a platter and let cool 5 minutes. Serve with lime wedges alongside.
- Step 5Make Ahead: Glaze can be made 5 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
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