Sweet and Savory Cola Chicken
Indulge in this delicious and easy-to-make Sweet and Savory Cola Chicken recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. With just a few key ingredients, including boneless chicken breasts, tangy ketchup, and a splash of diet cola, this dish brings a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and savory. It's a low-point option for Weight Watchers, making it a guilt-free choice that doesn't compromise on taste. Serve this Cola Chicken over a bed of rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a satisfying meal everyone will love!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (trimmed of excess fat)
ketchup
1 cup
diet cola
1 can (12 oz)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, combine the ketchup and diet cola over medium heat, stirring until well blended.
2
Add the trimmed chicken breasts and optional chopped onions to the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet with a lid to retain moisture.
4
Reduce the heat to medium and let the chicken cook for 45 minutes, or until fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
5
Remove the lid and continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken, stirring as needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Savory Cola Chicken?
It is a simple and flavorful dish made with chicken breasts, ketchup, and diet cola, offering a unique sweet and savory profile.
Is this recipe Weight Watchers friendly?
Yes, it is considered a low-point option for Weight Watchers and a guilt-free choice for those tracking points.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires only 4 main ingredients: chicken breasts, ketchup, diet cola, and optional onions.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I use regular cola instead of diet cola?
While the recipe specifies diet cola for a low-point option, you could use regular cola, though it will change the nutritional and point values.
Are onions mandatory for this recipe?
No, the chopped onions are listed as an optional ingredient to add extra flavor if desired.
How long is the total cooking time?
The chicken cooks for 45 minutes covered, followed by 10-15 minutes uncovered to thicken the sauce.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No, the instructions indicate adding the chicken directly into the skillet with the ketchup and cola mixture.
How do I thicken the cola sauce?
Remove the lid after 45 minutes of cooking and continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
What is the first step in making Cola Chicken?
In a large skillet, combine the ketchup and diet cola over medium heat and stir until well blended.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is recommended to serve this chicken over a bed of rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
What size of diet cola is needed?
The recipe specifies using one 12 oz can of diet cola.
How much ketchup is required?
You will need 1 cup of ketchup for the sauce base.
Do I need to stir the chicken while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir occasionally while it is covered and as needed while the sauce is thickening.
Should the skillet be covered?
Yes, cover the skillet during the first 45 minutes of cooking to retain moisture.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknights?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
What heat setting should I use?
Start with medium heat to blend the sauce and bring it to a boil, then maintain medium heat while cooking.
Can I use chicken thighs?
The recipe specifies chicken breasts, but you could substitute thighs, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is there any fat added to the skillet?
No oil or butter is mentioned; the chicken cooks directly in the sauce mixture.
Does the sauce taste like soda?
When cooked down with ketchup, the cola creates a sweet and savory glaze rather than a direct soda flavor.
How much onion should I add?
If using onions, add 1/2 cup of chopped onion to the skillet.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, the sweet and savory flavor profile is generally very popular with both kids and adults.
Can I make this for a gathering?
Absolutely, it is noted as being perfect for a gathering with friends.
What makes this recipe 'healthy'?
It uses lean chicken breasts, diet soda to reduce sugar/calories, and is a low-point Weight Watchers option.
Do I need to boil the sauce?
Yes, you should bring the ketchup and cola mixture to a boil before covering and reducing the heat.
Is there a specific brand of diet cola recommended?
No specific brand is mentioned; any standard diet cola will work.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts should be trimmed of any excess fat before being added to the skillet.
Is this recipe high in protein?
While specific nutritional data isn't provided, chicken breasts are a naturally high-protein ingredient.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under 'Chicken'.