Soda Pop Marinade for Chicken

Transform your ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed masterpiece with this easy Soda Pop Marinade! The star of the show is cola soda, which not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a subtle sweetness. Combined with savory soy sauce, tangy ketchup, rich brown sugar, and the warmth of minced garlic and grated ginger, this marinade strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami. With just 10 minutes of prep time and ingredients you likely already have, this recipe is a hassle-free way to elevate grilled, baked, or pan-seared chicken. Marinate for at least an hour—though overnight is ideal!—to let the bold flavors fully soak in. Perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping, this versatile chicken pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, rice, or a crisp salad. Dive into the ultimate combination of simplicity and deliciousness with this family-friendly dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
• 1 cup Cola soda
• 0.25 cup Soy sauce
• 0.25 cup Ketchup
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cola soda, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well combined.

Step 2

Place the chicken pieces into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.

Step 3

Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are fully coated.

Step 4

Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4-8 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.

Step 5

Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet to medium heat.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and discard the marinade.

Step 7

Cook the chicken according to your preferred method until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked. This typically takes 6-8 minutes per side when grilling or pan-searing, or 20-25 minutes in a 375°F oven.

Step 8

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Step 9

Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1323.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2019.8

Total Fat 60.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 771.1mg	0%
Sodium 3259.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 64.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.9g	0%
Total Sugars 54.4g
Protein 287.6g	0%

Vitamin D 45.4IU	0%
Calcium 150.3mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 2613.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.0%

Protein: 58.8%

Carbs: 13.2%