How to Make Savory, Sweet Chinese Coca-Cola Chicken Wings at Home
Braised Coca-Cola Chicken Wings, also known as Kělè jīchì (可乐鸡翅) in Chinese, are one of the most popular dishes in China. This savory, sweet dish brings together tender chicken wings and the unique flavor of Coca-Cola, making it a favorite in Chinese homes and restaurants. Whether you're preparing for a family meal, special occasion, or just want a delicious snack, this easy recipe will teach you how to make braised Coca-Cola chicken wings with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Coca-Cola Chicken Wing Recipe
✔️ Quick and Easy – A straightforward Chinese chicken wing recipe that’s packed with flavor.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for family dinners, parties, or as a weeknight meal.
✔️ Rich, Savory, and Sweet Flavor – The Coca-Cola braising sauce adds a unique sweetness to the wings, balanced by the salty soy sauce and the depth of Shaoxing wine.
✔️ Minimal Ingredients – This dish uses just a handful of ingredients, making it a budget-friendly recipe without compromising on taste.
Ingredients for Braised Coca-Cola Chicken Wings
To make these delicious Chinese braised chicken wings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying and sautéing)
- 16 chicken wings, dried with a paper towel (this helps them crisp up during frying)
- 2 whole dried chili peppers (optional, for a mild heat and extra flavor)
- ½ stalk scallion, chopped (adds a mild onion flavor)
- 3 slices fresh ginger, peeled (each about the thickness of a 50-cent piece) (ginger adds warmth and fragrance)
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (use for a delicate salty flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or substitute with Chinese cooking wine)
- 1 can (12 oz) Coca-Cola (the key ingredient for braising, adding sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste (balances the sweetness of the Coca-Cola)
- 2 sprigs chopped cilantro or green onion (for garnish, optional but adds a fresh, bright finish)
How to Make Braised Coca-Cola Chicken Wings: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Sear the Chicken Wings
To start, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up. The oil should shimmer before adding the chicken wings.
Carefully place the chicken wings in the skillet in a single layer, skin side down. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the bottom turns golden and crispy. Then, flip the chicken wings and fry the other side for the same amount of time. Once both sides are golden, remove the wings from the skillet and set them aside.
Be sure to save the oil in the skillet, as you’ll use it in the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Braising Sauce in a Wok
Next, heat a wok over medium-high heat. As the wok gets hot and starts to smoke, carefully add the remaining oil from the skillet (about 2 tablespoons). If needed, you can add a little more vegetable oil to the wok.
Lift the wok and gently sway it in a circular motion to spread the oil across the sides of the wok. This helps prevent the spices from sticking to the sides and enhances the cooking process.
Add the dried chili peppers to the wok and stir-fry them for about 10 seconds until they start to darken. Be cautious not to burn them, as they can turn bitter. Next, add the scallion and ginger slices. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until the aromatics become fragrant.
Step 3: Add Soy Sauce, Shaoxing Wine, and Coca-Cola
Once the aromatics have released their fragrance, add the light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and Coca-Cola to the wok. Stir to combine the ingredients, ensuring the Coca-Cola mixes evenly with the other liquids. Be careful, as the hot oil may splatter when adding the liquids.
Carefully add the seared chicken wings to the wok, ensuring that the sauce covers the wings. Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the chicken wings from sticking to the bottom of the wok and to ensure the wings are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce and Adjust Seasoning
As the wings cook, the sauce will reduce and begin to thicken. After about 15 minutes, use a spatula to stir the chicken wings 2 to 3 times. This will help prevent the sauce from burning at the bottom and allow the wings to mix evenly in the sauce.
When the sauce starts to thicken, add 1 teaspoon salt or adjust to your taste preference. Continue simmering for a few more minutes until the sauce reduces by about one-third. If the sauce is still too thin after 20 minutes, increase the heat slightly to medium-high and allow it to boil down until it thickens.
Be cautious during the final minutes of cooking, as the high sugar content in the Coca-Cola can easily burn the chicken. Keep stirring and scraping the bottom of the wok to avoid this.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened and is fully coating the chicken wings, remove the wok from heat. Transfer the braised Coca-Cola chicken wings to a serving plate and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve your braised Coca-Cola chicken wings while warm, or let them cool and enjoy them as a cold snack. These wings are delicious when paired with steamed rice or vegetables.
Expert Tips for Perfect Coca-Cola Braised Chicken Wings
1. Selecting the Right Chicken Wings
For the best results, choose fresh, plump chicken wings with skin on. The skin helps lock in moisture and adds to the crispiness when fried. You can also use chicken drumettes for a slightly different presentation.
2. Why Use Coca-Cola?
The Coca-Cola in this recipe is what makes it special. The sugar in the soda caramelizes, creating a sweet and savory glaze that coats the chicken wings beautifully. It also balances the salty and umami flavors from the soy sauce and Shaoxing wine.
3. Customize the Heat Level
If you prefer spicier chicken wings, add more dried chili peppers or even a dash of chili paste. For those who enjoy less heat, omit the chili peppers entirely or reduce the number used.
4. Control the Thickness of the Sauce
The sauce should be sticky and glossy, coating the wings well. If it’s too thin, let it reduce further. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or more Coca-Cola to loosen it up.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When frying the chicken wings, make sure to place them in a single layer in the pan. Overcrowding can cause them to cook unevenly and prevent them from becoming crispy.
6. Make It a Meal
Serve these braised Coca-Cola chicken wings with some steamed jasmine rice, sautéed greens like bok choy, or even a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete Chinese-style meal.
Storing and Reheating Coca-Cola Chicken Wings
How to Store Leftovers
- Store any leftover braised Coca-Cola chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Reheat the chicken wings in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a little water or Coca-Cola to loosen it up before reheating.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Authentic Braised Coca-Cola Chicken Wings
These braised Coca-Cola chicken wings offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making them a standout dish in Chinese cuisine. Whether you enjoy them with a bowl of rice, a side of vegetables, or on their own as an appetizer, they’re sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. With easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate this beloved Chinese chicken wing recipe in your kitchen in no time.
 in Ch…){kind=link}
Comments
Post a Comment