Description
This Diet Coke Chicken recipe offers a unique and flavorful twist on classic chicken thighs by simmering them in a tangy mixture of Diet Coke, tomato paste, and smoked paprika. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a slightly sweet and smoky sauce that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 6 ounces can of tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 12 ounces can of Diet Coke
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, tomato paste, smoked paprika, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth mixture.
- Add Diet Coke: Whisk the Diet Coke into the mixture until fully incorporated, creating the flavorful cooking liquid for the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a 10 to 12-inch deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the Diet Coke mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken cook for 20 minutes, turning the thighs every 7 to 8 minutes to ensure even cooking and absorption of flavors.
- Reduce and Thicken Sauce: After 20 minutes, remove the lid and continue cooking uncovered for an additional 8 to 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot immediately. This dish pairs well with rice or cooked mixed vegetables.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Ingredient Substitutions: For those avoiding aspartame, use regular cola instead of Diet Coke but note that this increases the calorie content.
- Alternate Cooking Methods: This recipe can be adapted for the slow cooker by cooking on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Variations: Replace chicken broth and tomato paste with 1 cup of ketchup for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over cooked rice or alongside cooked mixed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs with sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
