Cola marinade for chicken
Cola marinade for chicken is a popular home-style dish, particularly in American and Chinese-American cooking, where chicken is marinated in a mixture of cola, soy sauce, and aromatic spices before being baked, grilled, or pan-fried. The marinade typically includes cola (like Coca-Cola or Pepsi), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sometimes vinegar or citrus juice. It's known for creating a sweet, savory, and slightly caramelized glaze on the chicken.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is moderate in protein from the chicken but can be high in carbohydrates and sugar due to the cola and any added sugars in the marinade. A typical serving provides a good source of protein and some B vitamins, with a calorie range of approximately 250-350 kcal per serving depending on the cut of chicken and marinade absorption.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 220 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Choline | 70 mg |
Per 1 serving (about 150 g cooked chicken with sauce) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a creative example of using a globally ubiquitous soft drink as a cooking ingredient, blending Western convenience with Asian-inspired flavors. Nutritionally, the cola's sugar and acidity help tenderize the meat and create a glossy, sticky sauce through caramelization during cooking.
