I try to make it a point to experiment with at least one new recipe each week. Sometimes I look at what is in the fridge and freezer and then choose a recipe that sounds good. Sometimes I find a recipe that sounds good, and then shop for the ingredients. A couple weeks ago, I decided I wanted a new chicken dish and looked through my (ever growing) sheets of printed recipes I gather. I had this one can of coca cola that had been in the fridge for close to a year, and came across this recipe, which would use it up.
I liked the result so much that I bought another can of coke to keep in the pantry for the next time I want a really quick, easy and delicious chicken dinner. Try it, and I think you will be as surprised as I was.
This recipe originally came from The Latin Kitchen. With only minor changes, here is my version:
- 1 tbs vegetable oil
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 can Coca-Cola
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbs brown sugar
- 1/2 tbs black pepper
- 1/2 tbs onion powder
- 1/2 tbs garlic powder
- 1/2 tbs ground mustard
- 1/2 lemon – juiced
- 1 tsp cayenne
- 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbs canola oil
- 4 chicken thighs
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Add oil to sauce pan and place over medium/low heat. When warmed, add onion and garlic and let soften.
- While onions and garlic are softening, add the rest of the ingredients (except for chicken) to a large bowl and whisk. Add the sauce to the pan and reduce for 30 minutes on the stove top.
- While sauce reduces, dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels. Be sure to dry under the skin as well. Heat 2 tbs canola oil in a heavy bottomed cast iron skillet. Just before it starts to smoke, add chicken skin side down.
- Cook until brown and crispy. If the skin sticks, leave it. It will release on its own when it’s properly browned. Flip chicken skin side up and then place in the oven.
- Cook for 15 minutes, then remove chicken and brush with sauce. Place back in the oven and cook for 5 minutes. Pull out and reapply sauce. Continue adding more sauce and sticking back in the oven again and again until a thermometer reads 145.
- Pull the chicken out of the oven and let rest. It will rise to the appropriate temperature while resting.