Description

This Diet Cola Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and healthier twist on classic cola chicken, using diet cola to reduce sugar content while delivering a rich, tangy sauce. Tender chicken thighs are browned and simmered with vibrant peppers, garlic, and a blend of seasonings before being cooked in a zesty diet cola-based sauce, making it a perfect easy weeknight meal served over rice or pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

640g boneless and skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks
2 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced

Liquids and Sauces

300ml chicken stock
330ml diet cola
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp tomato purée
2 tbsp reduced-salt-and-sugar ketchup

Seasonings and Fats

1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp light brown soft sugar
½ tsp mustard powder

Instructions

Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick saucepan over high heat. Season the chicken thighs and brown them all over for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Remove the chicken with tongs and set aside on a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium, add the finely chopped onion to the pan, and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock if the mixture starts to stick or dry out. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, then add the yellow pepper chunks and continue cooking briefly.
Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the dried oregano, light brown sugar, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato purée, diet cola, the remaining chicken stock, and reduced-salt-and-sugar ketchup to the pan. Mix everything well to combine.
Simmer the Chicken: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Reduce the Sauce: Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce bubble for another 10 minutes uncovered, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly to a rich consistency.
Serve: Sprinkle the sliced spring onions over the chicken and serve the dish hot, ideally accompanied by steamed rice or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat that cooks evenly.
Make sure to brown the chicken properly to develop deeper flavor before simmering.
Add a splash of chicken stock during the onion sauté to prevent sticking and enhance moisture.
If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes with the oregano.
This dish pairs wonderfully with plain steamed rice or buttered pasta to complement the tangy sauce.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: British

Keywords: Diet cola chicken, healthy chicken recipe, low sugar chicken, easy chicken dinner, stovetop chicken, cola chicken sauce