How long to marinate chicken in Coca-Cola?

For best results, marinate your chicken in Coca-Cola for 4 to 8 hours depending on the cut. Boneless thighs do well with 6 hours, while drumsticks can go up to 12. Avoid marinating for more than 12 hours, especially with lean cuts like breasts, as the acid in the soda can start to break down the texture too much.

What does Coca-Cola chicken taste like?

Grilled cola chicken offers a sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor with a glossy, caramelized crust. It doesn’t taste like soda—it tastes like BBQ with depth, thanks to the sugars in the Coke blending beautifully with savory spices and char from the grill.

Why do people marinate chicken with Coke?

Coca-Cola’s acidity helps tenderize meat, while the sugars caramelize on the grill to create a sticky, flavorful glaze. It's a quick and affordable way to infuse chicken with sweet, complex flavor without needing a long list of ingredients or sauces.

How do you make cola chicken?

It starts with a Coca-Cola-based marinade —typically mixed with soy sauce, garlic, spices, and a bit of acid like lemon juice. The chicken is marinated for several hours, then grilled over medium-high heat until tender and caramelized. You can also baste with a boiled-down version of the marinade during the last few minutes for added flavor and glaze.

Grilled Cola Chicken – The Ultimate Irresistible BBQ Recipe

Description

This recipe combines the sweetness of cola with a hint of spice, creating a delicious, sticky glaze for grilled chicken breasts. Perfect any time you’re craving bold barbecue flavors, this easy marinade and basting sauce will add a whole new twist to your usual chicken dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 clove garlic minced
1 cup cola
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Stir in cola, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until sauce thickens. Remove 6 tablespoons and set aside.
5. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper, and ground cumin. Rub the spice blend evenly over the chicken breasts.
6. Place chicken on the grill and baste with 3 tablespoons of reserved sauce. Cook for 5 minutes.
7. Flip the chicken, baste with remaining 3 tablespoons of sauce, and cook another 5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve with remaining sauce.

Notes

Do not use diet cola—regular cola caramelizes properly.
Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3–4 days.
This recipe is excellent for meal prep or slicing over salads.
For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.

Always discard any unused marinade that touched raw chicken unless boiled.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1g
Calories: 249 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 416 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 102 mg