Coca Cola Chicken Wings are the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and slightly caramelized flavor. The soda works as a natural sweetener and tenderizer, creating a glossy glaze that clings beautifully to each wing. As the sauce reduces, it thickens into a rich coating with deep color and irresistible stickiness.
The first time I made Coca Cola Chicken Wings, I was curious whether the soda would truly enhance the flavor. The result was surprisingly delicious. The sweetness balanced perfectly with soy sauce and garlic, and as the wings baked, the glaze transformed into a thick, shiny coating. I once added a small pinch of chili flakes, and it added just enough heat to balance the sweetness. Whether served as a game-day snack, party appetizer, or casual dinner, these wings are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coca Cola Chicken Wings are easy to prepare with minimal ingredients. The soda simplifies the sauce while delivering depth and caramelization.
The wings turn beautifully glossy and sticky as they cook, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dish. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes them widely appealing.
Another reason to appreciate this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the sweetness, add spice, or bake or simmer the wings depending on your preference.
Coca Cola Chicken Wings: Sweet, Sticky, and Perfectly Glazed
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sticky and flavorful Coca Cola chicken wings simmered in a sweet and savory cola glaze. These tender wings are perfect for parties, game day, or an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 cup Coca Cola
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Pat chicken wings dry and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until wings begin to crisp.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine Coca Cola, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer sauce for 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove wings from oven and toss with the cola glaze.
- Return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, turning once, until caramelized and sticky.
- Serve hot and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Pat wings dry for crispier skin.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.
- Can also cook wings in an air fryer at 380°F for 20-25 minutes before glazing.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken wings
Provide tender meat and crisp skin when cooked properly.
Coca Cola
Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
Soy sauce
Balances sweetness with savory depth.
Garlic cloves (minced)
Enhance aroma and flavor.
Fresh ginger (grated)
Adds subtle warmth and brightness.
Brown sugar
Deepens caramel flavor.
Black pepper
Provides mild heat.
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Introduce extra spice.
Cornstarch (optional)
Helps thicken the sauce if needed.
Green onions (optional)
Add freshness and garnish.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Season the chicken wings lightly with salt and black pepper.
In a saucepan, combine Coca Cola, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes until slightly reduced.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Brush the wings with the reduced sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking to build a glossy glaze.
If the sauce needs further thickening, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir into the simmering sauce until thick.
Remove wings from the oven and coat generously with remaining glaze. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Serve immediately.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispness.
Freezing is possible for up to one month, though the glaze may lose some texture upon reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Coca Cola Chicken Wings can be customized easily. For extra heat, add additional red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
I have experimented with adding a splash of rice vinegar, which balanced the sweetness with slight acidity.
For a smoky twist, incorporate smoked paprika into the seasoning.
You can also prepare these wings on the stovetop by simmering them directly in the sauce until cooked through and glazed.
If you prefer crispier wings, broil them for the final 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Reduce Sauce Slowly
Allow the sauce to thicken naturally for best texture.
Flip Wings Midway
Ensures even cooking and caramelization.
Do Not Overcrowd
Space wings evenly to promote crispness.
Broil Briefly
Finish under the broiler for extra caramelization.
FAQs
Can I use diet soda?
Regular soda works best for proper caramelization.
Can I fry the wings instead?
Yes, fry first and toss in reduced glaze.
How do I make them less sweet?
Reduce brown sugar or add vinegar.
Can I use drumettes only?
Yes, drumettes work perfectly.
Is marinating necessary?
Not required, but optional for deeper flavor.
Can I cook them in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry and brush with glaze during the final minutes.
Conclusion
Coca Cola Chicken Wings offer a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and sticky flavors that make them perfect for gatherings or casual meals. Simple ingredients transform into a glossy, caramelized glaze that coats each wing beautifully. Easy to prepare and adaptable to personal taste, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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