Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cola
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Tongs
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet, combine the cola, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the thickened sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for boiling, medium-low heat for simmering
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 315
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 33g
Sodium: 1093mg
Sugar: 32g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or brown sugar.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Apple cider vinegar can be substituted with white vinegar or rice vinegar.
- Smoked paprika can be substituted with regular paprika or chili powder.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet for a colorful and flavorful addition.
- Use ginger instead of garlic for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Use tongs to flip the chicken breasts in the skillet to prevent them from falling apart.
- Make sure to simmer the chicken breasts covered to keep them moist and tender.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch and water mixture until desired thickness is achieved.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Cola-Maple Chicken Breasts on a bed of rice or quinoa with a side of steamed vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Garlic roasted broccoli
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more cola or water to thin it out.
- If the chicken is not cooked through, cover and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
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-Maple Chicken Breasts is a modern twist on classic chicken dishes. The combination of cola and maple syrup creates a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, tangy, smoky, savory
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a side of rice or quinoa and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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