Introduction

This Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. The combination of sweet cola, tangy barbecue sauce, and Italian seasoning creates tender, juicy chicken that’s great on buns or served over rice.

Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup barbecue sauce (we like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s)
1 white onion, sliced (or sweet yellow onion)
0.7 oz. Italian dressing mix (such as Good Seasons brand)
12 oz. Coca Cola

Instructions

Step 1: Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Place the sliced white onion on top of the chicken.
Step 4: Drizzle the barbecue sauce over the onion and chicken.
Step 5: Pour the Coca Cola over everything in the slow cooker.
Step 6: Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender.
Step 7: Shred the chicken with two forks and serve as desired, such as on buns or over rice.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes before cooking.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after shredding and simmer the liquid on the stove until it reduces.
Try substituting chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender results.
Use diet cola for a lower-sugar option without sacrificing much flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This chicken also freezes well—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, but increase the cooking time to about 8 to 9 hours on LOW to ensure the chicken cooks fully.

Is it necessary to use regular Coca Cola, or can I use diet or a cola alternative?

Regular Coca Cola adds sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken, but diet cola or other cola alternatives can be used if you prefer a lower sugar option.

Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 76 reviews

This Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where tender chicken breasts are slowly cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from barbecue sauce, Italian dressing mix, sliced onions, and Coca Cola. The slow cooking process ensures juicy, pull-apart chicken perfect for sandwiches or as a main dish.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts

Sauce & Seasoning

1 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s recommended)
.7 oz. Italian dressing mix (Good Seasons brand preferred)
12 oz. Coca Cola

Vegetables

1 white onion, sliced (or sweet yellow onion)

Instructions

Add Chicken: Place the 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a base layer for the dish.
Season: Evenly sprinkle the .7 oz. Italian dressing mix over the chicken breasts to impart herby, tangy flavors that will infuse throughout the meat during cooking.
Add Onion: Arrange the sliced white onion on top of the chicken and seasoning. The onions add sweetness and aroma when slow cooked.
Drizzle Barbecue Sauce: Pour 1 cup of your preferred barbecue sauce over the onions and chicken, contributing a smoky, tangy richness to the sauce.
Pour Coca Cola: Carefully pour 12 ounces of Coca Cola over the entire mixture. The soda adds subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken as it cooks.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook the mixture on the low setting of the slow cooker for 7 to 8 hours. This slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes tender and infused with the sauce flavors.
Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the tender chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker to soak it fully in the sauce. Serve hot on buns for sandwiches or as desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce before cooking.
Using sweet yellow onions instead of white will add a milder, sweeter flavor.
Leftover chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe pairs well with coleslaw or baked beans for a complete meal.
To reduce sugar, use a low-sugar or diet cola alternative; cooking time may remain the same.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, coca cola chicken, barbecue chicken, slow cooked chicken, easy chicken recipe