Coke-Brined Fried Chicken Recipe

Name: Coke-Brined Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 5 cups Coca-Cola; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 10 sprigs fresh thyme; 4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced; 4 teaspoons mild hot sauce like Crystal, Texas Pete or Cholula; 8 to 12 chicken thighs, preferably free-range, organic; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3 cups peanut oil; 1 cup lard, optional, or replace with peanut oil; Hot sauce

Servings: persons

5 cups Coca-Cola
1 tablespoon kosher salt
10 sprigs fresh thyme
4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
4 teaspoons mild hot sauce like Crystal, Texas Pete or Cholula
8 to 12 chicken thighs, preferably free-range, organic
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups peanut oil
1 cup lard, optional, or replace with peanut oil
Hot sauce

1
Make the brine: Combine cola, salt, thyme, garlic and hot sauce in a large metal bowl and stir until the salt has dissolved.
2
Add the chicken thighs, cover and refrigerate 3 to 5 hours.
3
Make the seasoned flour: In a wide, shallow bowl or pan, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne.
4
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
5
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.
6
While the oil heats, remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry.
7
Dredge the thighs in the flour and shake to remove excess.
8
Working in batches of 2 or 3 at a time, carefully lower thighs into the hot oil.
9
The oil temperature will plummet when the cold chicken goes into the pan; turn up the heat and carefully monitor the temperature.
10
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.
11
Remove to a wire rack or paper towel to drain.
12
The juices should run clear when the chicken is poked with a knife.
13
If necessary, transfer the browned chicken to a baking sheet and bake until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees on a instant-read thermometer.
14
Serve hot or at room temperature with hot sauce.

2071

kcal

Calories

137

Fat

113

Carbs

121

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 5 cups Coca-Cola, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 10 sprigs fresh thyme, 4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced, and more.

Yes, Coke-Brined Fried Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Coke-Brined Fried Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions