Diet Cola Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Diet cola chicken is a flavorful and surprisingly simple dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce made from diet cola and pantry staples. It’s a great weeknight meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 640g boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 300ml chicken stock
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
- 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp light brown soft sugar
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp tomato purée
- 330ml diet cola
- 2 tbsp reduced-salt-and-sugar ketchup
- 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick saucepan over high heat. Season the chicken thighs then brown them all over for 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken with tongs and set aside on a plate.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat and add the chopped onion to the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to prevent sticking or burning. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the yellow pepper pieces.
- Step 3: Stir in the dried oregano, brown sugar, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato purée, diet cola, remaining chicken stock, and ketchup. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5: Increase the heat and let the sauce bubble for another 10 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Step 6: Serve the chicken sprinkled with finely sliced spring onions, accompanied by rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra color and flavor, add the red pepper along with the yellow pepper in Step 2.
- Use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a creamy topping when serving to add richness without much extra effort.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of chili flakes along with the garlic in Step 2.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but be mindful they may cook faster and dry out if overcooked.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. The sauce may thicken upon standing; add a splash of water or stock when reheating to loosen it if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cola instead of diet cola?
Yes, you can substitute regular cola, but keep in mind it will add more sugar and calories to the dish. Diet cola keeps the recipe lighter while still providing sweetness and acidity.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Diet Cola Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Diet Cola Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and guilt-free twist on traditional chicken dishes by using diet cola to create a rich, tangy sauce without the extra calories. Tender chicken thighs are simmered with colorful bell peppers, herbs, and a medley of savory ingredients, resulting in a satisfying meal that’s perfect served over rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 640g boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
- 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
- 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced
Liquids and Sauces
- 300ml chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 330ml diet cola
- 2 tbsp reduced-salt-and-sugar ketchup
- 3 tbsp tomato purée
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp light brown soft sugar
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to season
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick saucepan over high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them all over for 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan using tongs, and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion to the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened, adding a splash of chicken stock as needed to prevent the onion from burning. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the yellow pepper chunks to the pan, followed by the dried oregano, light brown sugar, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato purée. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the diet cola, the remaining chicken stock, and reduced-salt-and-sugar ketchup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Reduce the Sauce: Increase the heat and allow the sauce to bubble vigorously for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and developed rich flavors.
- Serve: Sprinkle the sliced spring onions over the dish and serve hot with rice or pasta of your choice.
Notes
- For best flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they remain juicy and tender.
- To reduce cooking time, use pre-cut vegetables but adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like mushrooms or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Make sure to simmer the sauce without lid during the final step to thicken it properly.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Diet Cola Chicken, Low Calorie Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Dinner, Stovetop Chicken, Diet Cola Sauce
