Craving a juicy, flavorful, and crispy fried chicken recipe? Coca-Cola brined fried chicken brings a unique twist to the classic comfort food. This recipe incorporates the sweetness of Coca-Cola into the brining process, creating tender chicken with a remarkable flavor profile. Whether it's for a backyard gathering, a family dinner, or a game-day feast, this delectable dish is sure to leave your taste buds singing for joy. So, grab your aprons, fire up your fryers, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
COKE-BRINED FRIED CHICKEN
John Currence, of City Grocery in Oxford, Miss., spent a long time in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit, and was justly celebrated for his hard work there helping to rebuild a cathedral of Southern fried chicken, Willie Mae's Scotch House. In his 2013 cookbook, "Pickles, Pigs and Whiskey," Currence paid tribute to the wet batter used on Willie Mae's legendary dish. But for the purpose of weekend chicken warriors we have omitted it in our adaptation of his homage, concentrating instead on Currence's use of a Coke-based poultry brine that not only adds some sweetness to the chicken thighs he uses but mildly tenderizes them along the way. Let the meat sit in the brine for a few hours before using, but not so long as overnight, where it really begins to break down. Then dry the thighs, dredge them in seasoned flour, and fry in peanut oil, ideally enhanced by lard. The result is mahogany-brown chicken with a crisp crust and a luscious interior.
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories dinner, main course
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Make the brine: Combine cola, salt, thyme, garlic and hot sauce in a large metal bowl and stir until the salt has dissolved. Add the chicken thighs, cover and refrigerate 3 to 5 hours.
- Make the seasoned flour: In a wide, shallow bowl or pan, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Put the peanut oil in a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 375 degrees on a candy thermometer. While the oil heats, remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Dredge the thighs in the flour and shake to remove excess.
- Working in batches of 2 or 3 at a time, carefully lower thighs into the hot oil. The oil temperature will plummet when the cold chicken goes into the pan; turn up the heat and carefully monitor the temperature. Cook for a little more than 3 minutes on one side, a little more than 3 minutes on the other, and then a final 3 minutes on the first side. Remove to a wire rack or paper towel to drain.
- The juices should run clear when the chicken is poked with a knife. If necessary, transfer the browned chicken to a baking sheet and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees on a instant-read thermometer. Serve hot or at room temperature with hot sauce.
COCA-COLA-BRINED FRIED CHICKEN
Steps:
- Rinse chicken, drain, and set aside. Blend together brining mix until salt dissolves. Place chicken in brine in a large covered bowl and marinate, refrigerated, for 4 hours. Whisk egg well in a stainless-steel bowl and add peanut oil and 21/2 cups water. Add in dry mix, whisking slowly so batter doesn't clump. To prepare chicken: Fill a large cast-iron skillet halfway with equal amounts peanut oil and lard. Slowly bring temperature to 375 degrees. (Use a candy thermometer.) While oil is heating, remove chicken from brine and place in a colander in sink. Once chicken has drained, pat dry with paper towels (a critical step) and season with salt and pepper. Dip chicken in batter and place (carefully) in hot oil. Adjust heat, as the chicken will bring the oil temperature down dramatically - you want it back up to just above 350 degrees. Turn chicken regularly using tongs to prevent burning. After 8 or 9 minutes, remove a piece, prick it to the bone with a fork, and mash it. If the juices run clear, it's done. Continue cooking if necessary.
COKE-BRINED GRILLED CHICKEN!
Chickens just don't taste the way they used to. Unless you're lucky enough to raise your own! Well try this recipe and you will never use another one. It produces the moistest flavourful chicken we have ever cooked on the grill.
Provided by Koechin Chef
Categories Poultry
Time 50m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine the salt and Coke. Stir well to dissolve.
- Puncture your chicken several times with the tines of a fork.
- Place it in the brine. Make sure all pieces are submerged. (I use a large round bowl); Cover.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Prepare your rub. Be sure to combine well. (for the Mustard Powder I like to use "Colemanns").
- When you are ready to grill the chicken. Prepare your grill so the chicken will be cooked over indirect heat.
- Remove the chicken from the brine, and dry it well. (throw out the brine).
- Rub your chicken pieces on both sides with the rub. Use it all!
- Now let it sit for 15 min., so it can absorb the rub flavors.
- Place it on the grill, skin side down for approximately 15-20 minutes. The skin should be nice and crispy brown.
- Turn the pieces over and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes.
- You might like to serve it with your favorite BBQ Sauce on the side.
- This also works well with chicken legs, but the cooking time will vary. The dark meat should test at 180°F in the thigh.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 400.6, Fat 21.4, SaturatedFat 3.8, Cholesterol 46.4, Sodium 15952, Carbohydrate 37.3, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 32.2, Protein 16.7
COCA-COLA BRINED FRIED CHICKEN
Steps:
- Rinse chicken, drain, and set aside. Blend together brining mix until salt dissolves. Place chicken in brine in a large covered bowl and marinate, refrigerated, for 4 hours. Whisk egg well in a stainless-steel bowl and add peanut oil and 21/2 cups water. Add in dry mix, whisking slowly so batter doesn't clump. To prepare chicken: Fill a large cast-iron skillet halfway with equal amounts peanut oil and lard. Slowly bring temperature to 375 degrees. (Use a candy thermometer.) While oil is heating, remove chicken from brine and place in a colander in sink. Once chicken has drained, pat dry with paper towels (a critical step) and season with salt and pepper. Dip chicken in batter and place (carefully) in hot oil. Adjust heat, as the chicken will bring the oil temperature down dramatically - you want it back up to just above 350 degrees. Turn chicken regularly using tongs to prevent burning. After 8 or 9 minutes, remove a piece, prick it to the bone with a fork, and mash it. If the juices run clear, it's done. Continue cooking if necessary. Serve with pickle-garlic relish. Cover any leftovers with a dish towel and leave out at room temperature. This keeps it crispy.
COLA-BRINED CHICKEN WINGS
These easy wings make a great meal when paired with rice and a veggie, or as part of a picnic with potato salad and baked beans.
Provided by littlebitsmommy3105
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Meat and Poultry Chicken
Time 2h20m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Pour 1/2 cup kosher salt and the cola into a resealable plastic bag, mix until the salt dissolves. Add the chicken wings, coat with the brine, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Brine in the refrigerator for 2 hours. While the chicken is brining, stir together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, mustard powder, and paprika in a small bowl to form a paste; set aside.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
- Drain the chicken wings in a colander set in the sink, then pat dry with paper towels. Place the wings into a large mixing bowl, then mix in the spice paste until evenly coated.
- Grill the wings on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone, 10 to 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 338.8 calories, Carbohydrate 10.4 g, Cholesterol 47.7 mg, Fat 25.8 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 16.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 7183.3 mg, Sugar 7.3 g
Tips:
- Choose the right chicken: Opt for whole chicken or chicken parts with the skin on to ensure a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Make the Coca-Cola brine ahead of time: The longer the chicken brines, the more flavorful it will be. Ideally, brine the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Use a deep fryer or large pot for frying: This will allow you to fully submerge the chicken in the oil for even cooking.
- Maintain the oil temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C) before adding the chicken. This will help achieve a crispy coating.
- Don't overcrowd the fryer: Cook the chicken in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature and compromising the crispiness.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels: After frying, place the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and achieve a crispy texture.
Conclusion:
Coca-Cola brined fried chicken is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic fried chicken recipe. The Coca-Cola brine adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the chicken, while the frying process creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Whether you serve it with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy it on its own, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make fried chicken recipe, give Coca-Cola brined fried chicken a try!
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