These coke chicken wings are sticky, sweet, savory, and seriously easy to make. The wings simmer in a Coca-Cola sauce until tender, then cook down until the sauce turns thick and glossy enough to coat every piece.
What are coke wings?
Coke wings are chicken wings braised in a sweet and savory cola-based sauce. The wings simmer directly in the liquid until tender, while the Coca-Cola reduces and turns into a thick, sticky glaze that coats the chicken.
So what does Coca-Cola do to chicken wings? It adds sweetness to the sauce and, as it reduces, helps create a dark, glossy, sticky coating around the wings. The simmering cooks the chicken until tender, while the cola and seasonings give it that sweet and savory flavor.
The important part is using regular Coca-Cola. The sugar is what helps the sauce reduce and gives the wings their sticky finish, so I don’t recommend Diet Coke or Coke Zero for this recipe.
A few things to know before you start
These wings are pretty hands-off, but there are a couple of things worth knowing before you put the pan on the stove. Unlike crispy fried wings such as kai tod, these are braised right in the Coca-Cola sauce, so there’s no frying involved.
Praew ♡
Learn Thai cooking step by step
My cookbook is a combination of authentic Thai recipes and Western dishes cooked with Thai flavors and ingredients. It’s a great starting point if you’re new to Thai cooking or want to cook it more often.
Ingredient notes & substitutes
You can find everything at Asian grocery stores or markets. Head to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- Chicken wings: I use whole chicken wings, but you can separate them at the joints if you prefer smaller pieces that are easier to eat. Drumsticks and skin-on chicken thighs work too, although the cooking time will vary.
- Coca-Cola: Use regular Coca-Cola or another regular cola like Pepsi. Avoid diet and zero-sugar versions because the sugar is important for the glaze.
- Golden mountain seasoning sauce: This gives the wings a distinctly Thai savory, salty flavor and works really well with the sweetness of the cola.
- Light soy sauce: Adds more saltiness and umami.
- Coriander root: Adds a fresh, earthy aroma to the braising liquid. If you can’t find the root, use some coriander stems.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a savory base and perfumes the wings as they cook.
- White pepper: Adds a gentle peppery warmth.
- Salt: Use just enough to season the sauce, since both soy sauces already contain salt.
- Chili flakes: Optional, but I like adding some for a little heat.
How to make coca cola chicken wings
1: Add the chicken and Coca-Cola. Place the chicken wings, coriander root, and garlic in a pot or deep skillet in a single layer. Pour in the Coca-Cola.
2: Bring to a boil. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a boil.
3: Season the wings. Add the salt, white pepper, Golden mountain seasoning sauce, light soy sauce, and chili flakes if using.
4: Simmer. Cover the pot or skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the cooking liquid has reduced into a sticky sauce.
5: Serve. Once the sauce has thickened and coats the wings, serve them hot with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice.
How to serve
I usually serve these for dinner with hot jasmine rice, but they also work well as a snack or appetizer. I like to let the sticky sauce run over the rice. My Thai sweet chili sauce is a great dip for any type of wings.
How to store & reheat leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For easier reheating, freeze the wings in a single layer first, then transfer them to the container.
- Reheat: Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until hot. You can also use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
Coke Chicken Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or deep skillet with lid
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1.3 lb chicken wings
- 3 ¼ cups Coca-Cola
- 2 coriander root
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp golden mountain sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili flakes, optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken wings, coriander root, garlic, and Coca-Cola in a pot or deep skillet in a single layer.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then add the salt, white pepper, Golden Mountain seasoning sauce, light soy sauce, and chili flakes if using.
- Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced and become thick and sticky.
- Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or as an appetizer.
Notes
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.