Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make – Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

• Tender and juicy – The Coca-Cola helps tenderize the chicken, making it fall-apart delicious.

• Sweet and savory flavor – A perfect balance of sweetness from Coca-Cola and tangy BBQ sauce.

• Versatile – Serve over rice, on buns as sandwiches, or alongside roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.

• Meal prep friendly – Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)

• BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

• Onion (sliced, optional)

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Paprika

• Salt & pepper

• Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth)

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add sliced onions if desired.

2. Add the Sauce: Pour Coca-Cola over the chicken. Add BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce (if using).

3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

4. Shred & Serve: Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it into the sauce. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve over rice, on buns as sandwiches, or with mashed potatoes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low / 3-4 hours on high

• Total Time: 6-7 hours (hands-off cooking!)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy twist.

• Honey Garlic Version: Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 minced garlic cloves.

• Tangy Twist: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess.

• Alternative Sodas: Swap Coca-Cola for Pepsi or Dr. Pepper for a different flavor profile.

• Pulled Chicken Style: Serve shredded chicken on toasted buns with coleslaw for a pulled chicken sandwich.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, bone-in thighs or drumsticks work well but may need an extra hour of cooking time.

Will diet Coke work?

No, diet sodas don’t caramelize in the same way and may result in a different flavor.

What BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?

A smoky or sweet BBQ sauce pairs best, but you can use your favorite brand!

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?

Remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

What’s the best way to serve Coca-Cola chicken?

Serve it over rice, in sandwiches, with mashed potatoes, or in tacos.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge. Reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about an hour if cooking on low.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Chicken is a flavorful, hands-off recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory glaze. It’s perfect for busy days, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Whether you serve it with rice, on a bun, or alongside veggies, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Chicken

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low / 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6-7 hours (hands-off cooking!)
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of Coca-Cola with the tang of BBQ sauce for a perfect balance. This simple, hands-off recipe results in tender, juicy chicken that can be served in various ways—on sandwiches, over rice, or with vegetables. Ideal for meal prep, busy weeknights, or family gatherings, this recipe is a must-try for a delicious and versatile dinner.

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 can Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

1 onion (sliced, optional)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add sliced onions if desired.

• Add the Sauce: Pour the Coca-Cola over the chicken. Add BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce (if using).

• Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

• Shred & Serve: Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it into the sauce. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve over rice, on buns as sandwiches, or with mashed potatoes.

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Notes

Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy twist.

Honey Garlic Version: Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 minced garlic cloves.

Tangy Twist: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.