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Slow Cooker Coca Cola Chicken Recipe

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Onion: Arrange the sliced white onion on top of the chicken and seasoning. The onions add sweetness and aroma when slow cooked.
  4. Drizzle Barbecue Sauce: Pour 1 cup of your preferred barbecue sauce over the onions and chicken, contributing a smoky, tangy richness to the sauce.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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