A long time ago, in the distant past, I used to enjoy spending time on Nigella.com. At that time there used to be a forum there too, where I would spend time chatting and making friends with other foodies. A big part of that was the sharing of our favourite recipes.
One of the recipes became a family favourite, which we all really enjoy – coca-cola chicken, submitted by Kiwibird.
I’ve tried to find the original recipe on Nigella’s site and to provide you with a link for it, but sadly, the recipe, nor Kiwibird seem to be there anymore and as I’m no longer in touch with Kiwibird and as such unable to ask her permission to share her recipe, I’m hoping that she wouldn’t mind me sharing it with you here.
After all, I’m sure she would be pleased to know that her recipe is loved and made regularly in my family. I know I would be over the moon if some-one said the same about one of my recipes…..
So, here goes, thanks to Kiwibird.
Coca-cola chicken:
Enough chicken pieces for your whole family (Kiwibird says that about 12 pieces is ideal for the amount of ingredients and that thighs and drumsticks seem to work best**)
olive oil
4 tbsp dark soy sauce
750 ml coca-cola
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2cm fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp brown sugar.
Fry the chicken pieces in the oil and soy until browned.
Turn down the heat and add the ginger and garlic and cook for a few minutes, take care not to burn the garlic.
Sprinkle over the brown sugar and allow to caramelise.
Pour over about half of the coke and simmer until the coke has reduced, adding more coke until the chicken is cooked (30-40 mins)
Once the chicken is cooked let the sauce reduce down to a thick, syrupy consistency.
Serve over rice. I use Basmati rice, but Kiwibird suggests Sushi rice.
Whichever rice you decide to use, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this immensely!
I steam some cabbage too, it seems to go really nicely with this dish and with Teriyaki chicken which is very similar in taste.
**Last time I made this dish I used skinless and boneless chicken breasts.
At Anna’s Kitchen Table 
I've seen recipes with coca cola but have never tried them, i don't like to drink it so it scares me off. I'm sure it doesn't taste anything like coke though!
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When my mom first made this (she's not kiwibird, to clear things up), I thought it'd be weird, but I really enjoy it and must ask for her recipe later. Have a great weekend.
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Some of those past members' recipes on N.com are legend. Kiwibird's chicken coke is definitely one of them. xo
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Muppy- it doesn't really taste of coke once it's cooked, it's very sweet and very savoury because of the soy, totally delicious!Michael – you must ask your Mum for her recipe (and then share it with us of course! Lol. )Lea- Aren't they just!! :-)) x
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Anna this look absolutely nice! gloria
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This is curious enough that it demands to be tried. It certainly looks delicious. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
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What an original recipe!Never tried cooking with coke but I trust your review!Thanks for sharing,dear Anna!
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I was an original member of N.com and that is where I met and became good friends with the lovely Jules/Rosie. I can't believe it's been a year since she passed away 😦 Anna, this coca-cola chicken looks delish!Mariax
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A very interesting idea for a chicken dish! I have to try it!
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Anna, I am sure Kiwibird would love that you've made it so many times you know it by heart:D I can't think of the old days at n.com without both feelings of melancholy and happiness. I have to say, the whole concept of using cola to cook with, even in sweet recipes was a revelation to me. It's the spices with the sweetness isn't it – just wonderful:)
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What a recipe!!! I've never have seen something like this and it looks delicious!!!!!!Good evening from Thessaloniki dear Anna!Have a nice week!
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This just made me very nostalgic for the old N.com days. It's what really pushed me to cook more and what prompted me to start a blog after seeing Sarah's. Gx
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