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Meat, East Asian

Chinese style Coca-Cola chicken wings with rice

Coca-Cola chicken wings are a braised Chinese style dish for 4 people, ready in 45 minutes, easy to make, for about €2.60 per serving. The wings simmer in a mix of Coca-Cola, soy sauce, ginger and garlic, then the sauce reduces until syrupy and glazes the meat. The key is letting it reduce uncovered over high heat at the end, so the cola's sugar caramelizes.

Tonight, Chinese style Coca-Cola chicken wings, sticky, glazed and shiny, a dish kids devour with their fingers.

Chinese style Coca-Cola chicken wings with rice
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€2.60
Calories per person
610 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall, Spring, Summer
The kids
They generally like it

Coca-Cola stands in here for the caramelized sugar usually used in Chinese style glazes. Mixed with soy sauce, ginger and star anise, it makes a dark, slightly spiced sauce that thickens as it cooks and coats the wings in a shiny, sticky layer. The result is sweet and savory, fragrant without being heavy, and the skin stays tender under the glaze.

This is a weeknight dish for when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Kids love eating these with their fingers, and the rice on the side is there to soak up every bit of sauce left on the plate. It also works well for a relaxed Sunday night, as a change from your usual chicken dinners.

The ingredients

4 people

Butcher

  • Chicken wings 1.2 kg

Pantry

  • Coca-Cola 33 cl
  • Soy sauceoften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Star anise 1
  • Vegetable oiloften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • Riceoften in the pantry 300 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Fresh ginger 20 g
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Scallion 2 sprigs

Allergens Soy, Gluten

The step by step recipe

  1. Boil the wings for one minute in water, then drain and pat them dry. 5 min

    This step removes impurities and helps the skin brown better.

  2. Brown the wings in hot oil, on all sides. 8 min

    Sear them in two batches so they don't overlap.

  3. Add the ginger, garlic and star anise, then pour in the Coca-Cola and soy sauce.

    The cola replaces caramelized sugar, that's the trick of this dish.

  4. Simmer covered, then let it reduce uncovered until the sauce thickens and coats the wings. 25 min

    Turn the wings a few times so they glaze evenly.

  5. Cook the rice in salted water and serve the wings with sliced scallion. 11 min

    Spoon a little sauce over the rice, it's a real treat.

Our tips to get it right

  • Dry the wings thoroughly after blanching, leftover water stops the skin from browning properly in the pan.
  • Use regular Coca-Cola, not a diet version, the sugar is what makes the sauce reduce into a syrupy glaze.
  • If the sauce reduces too fast and starts sticking, lower the heat and add a spoonful of water instead of letting it burn.

The variations

  • Swap the wings for boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time stays about the same and the meat is meatier.
  • For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu blocks seared in a pan, added near the end of simmering so they don't fall apart.
  • For a quicker meal, use wings that are already split into two pieces, they cook and glaze faster.

What to serve it with

  • Steamed white rice to soak up the sauce
  • Crunchy cucumber for a fresh side
  • Hot green tea alongside the meal

Storage

The wings keep for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. They also freeze well, sauce included, for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to bring back the shine of the sauce.

Questions about this dish

Can you make Coca-Cola chicken wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook them the day before and reheat gently in a pan the next day. The sauce actually tends to coat the meat even better after a night in the fridge.

Can you replace the Coca-Cola with something else?

You can use another classic cola soda with similar results. Avoid diet versions, they don't have enough sugar to properly glaze the wings.

Do you need star anise if you don't have any?

You can skip it, the dish will be less fragrant but still good. A pinch of Chinese five spice can also replace it in a small amount.

How do you know when the sauce has reduced enough?

It should coat the back of a spoon and feel slightly sticky, almost syrupy. Count about 25 minutes uncovered over high heat, stirring regularly.

How long does it take to make Chinese style Coca-Cola chicken wings with rice?

Count 45 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in Chinese style Coca-Cola chicken wings with rice?

About 610 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does Chinese style Coca-Cola chicken wings with rice cost?

About €2.60 per serving, or €10.40 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains soy, gluten. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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