Coca-Cola Chicken Wings Recipe (可乐鸡翅)

Name: Coca-Cola Chicken Wings Recipe (可乐鸡翅)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 10 chicken wings (mid-sections), about 800g; 300 ml regular Coca-Cola (not diet); 1 small piece fresh ginger (~10g), sliced; 2 star anise pods; ½ tsp salt (~3g); 1 tsp soy sauce (~5ml, low-sodium preferred)

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COOK TIME

Prep 10m • Cook 30m
VIEWS

259

I’ve made this Coca-Cola chicken wings a few times, and since everyone at home eats it without complaint, it’s stayed in my regular rotation. It’s similar to red-braised chicken—using Coke instead of sugar and some water. The wings turn out tender, and once the sauce reduces, it coats them lightly with a balanced sweet-savory taste that isn’t cloying. I was also worried it might be too sweet the first time, but as long as you use regular Coke (not diet) and reduce the sauce well at the end, the sweetness mellows and blends nicely with the soy. Only a few pantry ingredients needed, and it cooks in one pot—good for days when you don’t want to fuss over dinner.

Ingredients

Serves 3

10 chicken wings (mid-sections), about 800g
300 ml regular Coca-Cola (not diet)
1 small piece fresh ginger (~10g), sliced
2 star anise pods

Can’t find it? Try this one.
½ tsp salt (~3g)
1 tsp soy sauce (~5ml, low-sodium preferred)

Can’t find it? Try this one.

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse and thoroughly dry the chicken wings

Rinse chicken wings and pat dry with paper towels. Slice ginger, and have star anise, cola, soy sauce, and salt ready.
Step 2: Blanch briefly in cold water (optional but helpful)

Place wings in cold water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat (~2 mins). Skim off foam, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the wings without oil until golden

Add wings directly to a non-stick or stainless steel pan (no oil needed – the skin will render fat). Sear over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 4: Add ginger, star anise, and pour in the cola

Add ginger and star anise; stir 10 seconds until fragrant. Pour in cola, soy sauce, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered or partially covered for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Turn up the heat and reduce the sauce while stirring

Turn heat to high and reduce sauce, stirring constantly to coat wings and prevent burning. Cook until syrupy, glossy, and caramel-colored (~5–7 mins). A little clear oil will separate at the end—this is normal.
Step 6: Plate and serve hot, maybe with a sprinkle of green onion

Serve hot! Optional garnish: sesame seeds or chopped green onions.