Cola-Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup cola
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Tongs
- Whisk

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together cola, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and smoked paprika until well combined.
5. Pour the cola mixture over the chicken thighs and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce has thickened further.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is glazed and caramelized.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
5. Temperature:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 480
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 1,500mg
Sugar: 24g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
- You can use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika.
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

Variations:
- You can add sliced onions or bell peppers to the skillet for extra flavor and texture.
- You can use different types of soda, such as root beer or Dr. Pepper, instead of cola.
- You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning them. This will help them get crispy.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. This will prevent the skin from getting crispy.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

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

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the chicken thighs on a platter with the sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Garnishes:
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Coleslaw

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Caesar salad
- Garlic mashed potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thin, you can add more cornstarch and water to thicken it.
- If the chicken skin is not crispy, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes at the end of cooking.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the 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:
Cola-glazed chicken is a popular dish in Southern cuisine. The sweet and tangy sauce is made with cola, ketchup, and brown sugar, and is often used to glaze chicken wings or drumettes.

Flavor profiles:
Sweet, tangy, smoky, savory.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the chicken thighs with steamed rice and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Taste: Sweet, Savory, Tangy, Smoky, Umami