Chicken > Braised Chicken

Cola-Braised Chicken Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cola
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Special equipment needed:
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Flip chicken thighs and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove chicken thighs from the pot and set aside.
7. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Add cola, chicken broth, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika to the pot and stir to combine.
9. Return chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side up, and spoon the sauce over the top.
10. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
11. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
13. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
5. Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 330
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 27g
Sodium: 1050mg
Sugar: 14g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with chicken breasts or drumsticks.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil or canola oil.
- Cola can be substituted with root beer or Dr. Pepper.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth or water.
- Ketchup can be substituted with tomato sauce or tomato paste.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Worcestershire sauce can be substituted with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- Smoked paprika can be substituted with regular paprika or chili powder.

Variations:
- Add chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot for a one-pot meal.
- Use pork chops instead of chicken thighs.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a more tomato-based sauce.
- Use ginger ale instead of cola for a milder flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the chicken thighs well before braising to develop flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or in a covered pot on the stove over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the chicken thighs on a bed of rice or mashed potatoes with a side of steamed vegetables.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

Pairings:
Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken thighs from the pot and simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens.
- If the chicken is not cooked through, return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Braising is a cooking technique that involves cooking meat slowly in a liquid until it is tender and flavorful. It has been used for centuries as a way to make tough cuts of meat more palatable.

Flavor profiles:
This recipe has a sweet and tangy flavor from the cola and ketchup, with a smoky undertone from the smoked paprika.

Serving suggestions:
Serve with a cold glass of cola or your favorite beer.

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Taste: Tangy, Sweet, Savory, Smoky, Spicy