Coca Cola Chicken Wings Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the nostalgic sweetness of Coca Cola with savory flavors, creating chicken wings that are both deliciously unique and totally binge-worthy. Plus, the whole process of marinating and glazing makes the wings irresistibly juicy and loaded with flavor, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering!

The combination of sweet and savory in my Coca Cola Chicken Wings recipe is simply irresistible. I use 2 pounds of chicken wings with 1 cup of Coca Cola and a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ketchup to create an unfathomable depth of flavor.

Garlic, black pepper, and an optional garnish of green onion maintain balance and add a further mysterious note in this recipe.

Ingredients

Coca Cola: Contributes a flavor that is sweet and caramelized and is rich in sugars.

Wings: Chicken are high in protein and very juicy once cooked.

Soy Sauce\n\nProvides a savory umami depth, rich in sodium.

Oyster sauce: Contributes a flavor that is salty and somewhat sweet; strengthens umami.

Garlic.

Delivers zesty flavor, brimming with aromatic properties, and acts as a reliable antioxidant.

Cooking with oil: Assists in the browning process, provides an abundant source of heart-healthy fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1 cup Coca Cola
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the chicken wings in cold water and dry them thoroughly using paper towels.

2. In a big bowl, mix the following ingredients well to make the marinade:

Coca Cola
soy sauce
oyster sauce
ketchup
minced garlic
vegetable oil
black pepper
salt.

3. Place the chicken wings in the marinade, making sure they are completely covered. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, so that the flavors can mix and intensify.

4. Set your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) to preheat.

5. Cover a big baking sheet with aluminum foil and put a wire rack over it. On top of that, arrange the chicken wings that have been bathed in marinade, letting the excess drip down into the sheet pan.

6. Bake the wings in the preheated oven at 450°F. for about 25 minutes.

7. When the wings are in the oven, take what’s left of the marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Set the burner to medium-high and bring the marinade to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. After 5 to 10 minutes, you should have a sauce that has thickened slightly. It’s very flavorful and perfect for dipping.

8. Remove the wings from the oven and brush them liberally with the thickened marinade.

9. Put the wings back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they’re pleasantly glazed and fully cooked.

10. If you wish, you can garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy your Coca Cola chicken wings! Serve them hot!

Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Paper towels
4. Plastic wrap
5. Refrigerator
6. Oven
7. Baking sheet
8. Aluminum foil
9. Wire rack
10. Small saucepan
11. Stove or cooktop
12. Basting brush

FAQ

• Q: Can I use diet Coke or another cola brand?A: Using diet Coke or another cola brand is fine, but the diet cola’s different formulation may throw off the sweetness balance or slightly alter the caramelization. Expect something slightly different, but also realize that cola is a relatively minor ingredient in this cake.
• Q: Can I prepare these wings in advance?A: Yes, I can marinate the wings a few hours in advance, but I have to cook them fresh for the best taste and texture.
• Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?A: To achieve a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer even longer. This reduces the sauce and concentrates the flavors, allowing you to get a sauce that’s as thick as you want it to be.
• Q: Can I bake the wings instead of frying them?A: Yes, the wings can be baked at 425°F (220°C) for about 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
• Q: What can I substitute for oyster sauce?A: You can alternatively use hoisin sauce, or soy sauce with a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Q: Are these wings very spicy?A: The recipe isn’t spicy, but you can make it so by adding chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time so you don’t overcook it.

Substitutions and Variations

If you do not have Coca Cola, attempt using any cola-based soda or even root beer for a different flavor profile.
A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce is tamari or coconut aminos.
You can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and sugar in place of oyster sauce.
Tomato paste mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar can replace ketchup to mimic the same tangy sweetness.
In the absence of fresh garlic, you can use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder instead.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Time For even more flavorful wings, marinate the chicken wings for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.

2. Crisping the Skin Before placing the marinated wings in the oven, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help achieve a crispier skin when baking.

3. Broil for Extra Crispiness After baking the wings and brushing them with the marinade, you can use the broiler setting for the last 2-3 minutes to get an extra crispy and caramelized finish. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

4. Thickening the Sauce If you prefer a thicker dipping sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water to the simmering marinade. Stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

5. Balancing Flavors Taste the marinade before adding it to the wings. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of lime or lemon juice to balance the flavors. If it’s too salty, a bit more Coca Cola can mellow it out.