Sweet and Savory Chicken Thighs in Cola Sauce
Indulge in this irresistibly flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy Cola sauce. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also delivers impressive results that will leave your guests amazed. The unique blend of Coca-Cola and onion soup mix creates a rich, glossy gravy that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Serve it with fluffy rice and vibrant steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Legs
6 (skinless, fresh (approximately 340 grams each))
Coca-Cola
4 cups (non-diet, for marinating and cooking)
Onion Soup Mix
70 g (to sprinkle over chicken)
Cornstarch
80 g (for thickening the gravy)
Water
1 cup (for mixing with cornstarch)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C).
2
Place the chicken legs in a deep oven-safe dish with the bone side facing up.
3
Pour the Coca-Cola evenly over the chicken legs, ensuring they are fully coated.
4
Sprinkle the onion soup mix generously over the chicken, distributing it evenly.
5
Cover the dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to trap moisture.
6
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours.
7
After baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven and uncover the foil—beware of the hot steam!
8
Gently flip the chicken legs over so they are skin side up, if applicable.
9
Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and caramelized.
10
Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices for added flavor and moisture.
11
To serve, transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
12
Pour the pan juices into a small pot and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
13
In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in one cup of cold water until smooth.
14
Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the bubbling juices, ensuring no lumps form.
15
Continue stirring the gravy on medium heat for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
16
Serve the gravy in a small gravy boat and drizzle over the chicken before enjoying your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this chicken dish?
The dish features a sweet and savory flavor profile created by a unique blend of Coca-Cola and onion soup mix.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 skinless, fresh chicken legs, each weighing approximately 340 grams.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C) for the best results.
Can I use Diet Coke for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 4 cups of non-diet Coca-Cola for marinating and cooking.
How much onion soup mix is required?
You will need 70 grams of onion soup mix to sprinkle over the chicken.
How long does the chicken bake in the oven?
The chicken initially bakes for 1 1/2 hours covered, followed by 10-15 minutes uncovered.
Do I need to cover the chicken while baking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil for the first 90 minutes to trap moisture.
What side of the chicken should face up initially?
Place the chicken legs in the dish with the bone side facing up during the first stage of baking.
How do I make the gravy for the chicken?
Boil the pan juices and whisk in a mixture of 80g cornstarch and 1 cup of cold water until thickened.
How long should I cook the gravy?
Stir the gravy on medium heat for 3-5 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the chicken with fluffy rice and vibrant steamed vegetables, drizzling the gravy over the meat.
Is this a one-pan dish?
Yes, it is considered a one-pan dish as the chicken is cooked in a single deep oven-safe dish.
Can I baste the chicken during the process?
Yes, basting the chicken occasionally with the pan juices adds extra flavor and moisture.
How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
Dissolve the cornstarch in cold water first and whisk it gradually into the boiling juices to ensure no lumps form.
What should I do after the first 1.5 hours of baking?
Remove the foil, flip the chicken legs so they are skin side up, and return them to the oven to brown.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, the recipe is described as quick and easy to prepare with impressive results.
How much cornstarch is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 80 grams of cornstarch for thickening the gravy.
Should the chicken be fresh or frozen?
The recipe specifically lists using fresh chicken legs for the best texture.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, its unique flavor and glossy gravy make it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.
What creates the glossy texture of the gravy?
The combination of the sugars in the Coca-Cola and the cornstarch thickening process creates a rich, glossy gravy.
Is this recipe Kosher?
The recipe is tagged as kosher meat, making it suitable for those following kosher dietary guidelines.
How do I ensure the chicken is caramelized?
Bake the chicken uncovered for the final 10-15 minutes until it is golden brown and caramelized.
How much water is used in the recipe?
One cup of cold water is used specifically for mixing with the cornstarch.
Should the chicken be skinless?
Yes, the recipe preparation notes specify using skinless chicken legs.
What safety precaution should I take when removing the foil?
Be very careful when uncovering the foil as there will be hot steam trapped inside.
What is the ingredient count for this dish?
There are 5 main ingredients: chicken legs, Coca-Cola, onion soup mix, cornstarch, and water.
How many chicken legs does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed for 6 chicken legs, typically serving 3 to 6 people depending on portions.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is categorized as a family meal and comfort food, making it great for leftovers when served with rice.
What type of oven-safe dish is recommended?
A deep oven-safe dish is recommended to hold the chicken and the 4 cups of liquid.
How do I distribute the onion soup mix?
Sprinkle the onion soup mix generously and evenly over the top of the chicken after adding the cola.