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
Scale
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
