Welcome to this easy and tasty Instant Pot Cola Chicken recipe!
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it cooks quickly and requires minimal prep work.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Instant Pot Cola Chicken is an all-time favorite because of its unique blend of flavors. The cola adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the tanginess of the tomato paste, creating a delicious sauce that pairs well with the tender chicken. Cooking in the Instant Pot also ensures that the chicken remains juicy and succulent, as the high-pressure environment helps to lock in moisture.
This recipe is great for those who are looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that can be prepared with minimal effort. The straightforward cooking process, combined with the easy-to-find ingredients, makes this dish a fantastic option for both experienced cooks and beginners alike.
Ingredients
Chicken pieces - Thighs or drumsticks work best for this recipe as they stay tender and juicy. You can also use breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Coke - Regular or diet cola can be used, depending on your preference. The cola helps tenderize the chicken and adds a touch of sweetness.
Tomato paste - This thickens the sauce and adds a tangy flavor. You can substitute with ketchup if needed.
Onion - A medium-sized onion, diced, adds a savory depth to the dish. Yellow or white onions work well.
Garlic - A few cloves of minced garlic enhance the flavor profile. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
Tips
- Make sure to deglaze the Instant Pot after sautéing the onion and garlic to avoid getting a burn notice.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken the sauce after cooking.
- For a spicy twist, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that your cola and tomato paste are gluten-free.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and texture.
How to Serve
Instant Pot Cola Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Its rich and flavorful sauce makes it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of sides.
Specific Serving Ideas
- Serve over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a comforting, hearty dish.
- For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli
Instant Pot Cola Chicken
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken pieces wings, thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup cola regular or diet
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a little oil.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Deglaze the pot with a small amount of cola, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the chicken pieces, remaining cola, and tomato paste to the pot.
- Close the lid, set the pressure valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully performing a quick release.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, and if desired, thicken the sauce
- Serve and enjoy 🙂