Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Chicken is a sweet, savory, and tender dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of Coca-Cola, BBQ sauce, and seasonings creates a rich, caramelized glaze that makes the chicken irresistibly delicious. This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make – Just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Tender & Juicy Chicken – The Coca-Cola helps break down the chicken for fall-apart tenderness.
- Delicious Sweet & Savory Flavor – The soda adds caramelization and balances the tangy BBQ sauce.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy meals.
- Versatile Serving Options – Serve over rice, in sandwiches, or with roasted veggies.
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
- 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 using.
- Add the Sauce:
- Pour 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 shreddable.
- 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 heat.
- Honey Garlic Version: Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Tangy Twist: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a little extra tang.
- Pepsi or Dr. Pepper Option: Swap Coca-Cola for another soda for a different flavor.
- Pulled Chicken Style: Serve shredded 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 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 use your favorite!
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 to let excess liquid evaporate.
What’s the best way to serve Coca-Cola chicken?
Over rice, in sandwiches, with mashed potatoes, or in tacos.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Store the cooked chicken in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by about an hour on low.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar work as substitutes.
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.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Chicken is an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you get a juicy, tender dish that pairs well with almost anything. Whether you serve it over rice, in sandwiches, or with veggies, this sweet and savory chicken will quickly become a family favorite!
Print
Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Coca-Cola Chicken is a Southern-inspired dish where tender chicken is slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made with Coca-Cola, barbecue sauce, and spices. It’s an easy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights! Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or on a sandwich bun.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 (12-ounce) can Coca-Cola (not diet)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Prepare the slow cooker – Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray.
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Add the chicken – Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
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Mix the sauce – In a bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Cook low & slow – Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
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Shred & serve – Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir to coat in the sauce. Serve over rice, on a sandwich bun, or with mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce: After shredding, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let cook for 10 more minutes until thickened.
- Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Want it spicy? Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Prefer crispy chicken? After slow cooking, transfer shredded chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes for crispy edges.