Rock and roll with these wings. Our Coca-Cola wings are anything but gimmicky: So tender and so full of flavor, this recipe is one that you can look forward to making whenever the cravings kick in. Discover it here!
Coca-Cola Glazed Wings: A Recipe For the Books
At first blush, Coca-Cola glazed wings may seem like some sort of fast food fusion hell cuisine. Believe it or not, Coca-Cola has long had a place in the kitchen, particularly as a marinade for meats. Its combination of acidity and sugar works surprisingly well: the phosphoric acid helps tenderise, while the sugar adds a touch of sweetness that caramelises beautifully when cooked. Don’t worry, though. You won’t be left with meat that tastes like soda. Instead, the result is similar to using a mildly sweet barbecue sauce: rich, balanced, and savoury with a subtle hint of sweetness.
Different places and spaces have long used Coca-Cola in cooking. For our Coca-Cola glazed wings recipe, we’re specifically drawing inspiration from contemporary Chinese home kitchens. Kělè Jīchì, or Coca-Cola wings, rose to popularity in the 1990s, a decade that saw a surge in the availability and cultural presence of Western brands like Coca-Cola in China. Though the soft drink was first introduced to China in the 1920s and reintroduced in the 1970s after the Cultural Revolution, it was during the 1990s economic boom that it became a true household staple.
As Coca-Cola gained popularity, home cooks began incorporating it into savory dishes. Mixing the fizzy soda with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, they created a sticky, glossy glaze that paired beautifully with chicken wings. This home-cook creation really has it all: It is sweet and savory, umami-rich dish, easy to make and deeply comforting. Today, it’s not only popular in many different countries, but a recipe that can be just as easily recreated in your own kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Want to try more Coca-Cola inspired cooking? Then you’ve got to try our Coca-Cola glazed pork loin. For more dinner ideas, check out our tinned fish rice bowl and baked chicken cutlets with tomato and mozzarella.
Coca-Cola Glazed Wings
Equipment
- 1 Wok
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings separated at the joint, tips removed
- 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 3 slices fresh ginger
- 2-3 garlic cloves smashed
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 can (12 oz) Coca-Cola
- 1 star anise optional
- 1-2 scallions cut into 2-in. pieces
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil option
- sesame seeds or chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the wings: Separate the chicken wings at the joint into drumettes and flats. Remove and discard the tips, or save them to make stock. Pat all pieces dry with paper towels for better searing.
- In a large pan, heat the oil over medium. Add the wings and sear for about 3-4 minutes or until the wings are golden. Then, remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the ginger slices and garlic. Stir-fry for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Now, return the wings to the pan. Add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Coca-Cola. Add the star anise and scallions if using. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, flipping the wings occasionally. The sauce should reduce into a glossy, sticky glaze. If it reduces too quickly, add a splash of water or partially cover.
- Finally drizzle with sesame oil, if desired. Garnish with sesame seeds or scallions before serving.