Pepsi Chicken
This recipe presents a unique method for preparing chicken breasts, featuring a sweet and tangy glaze made from Pepsi, margarine, and ketchup. The chicken is seared and then simmered in this distinctive sauce until tender. It's a quick, comforting dish offering an unconventional yet flavorful American-inspired main course, ready in under an hour.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven For searing chicken and simmering the sauce.
- 1 Tongs For handling chicken during searing and simmering.
- 1 Measuring Cups For accurate measurement of liquids and margarine.
- 1 Whisk To combine sauce ingredients smoothly.
- 1 Cutting Board and Chef's Knife For any necessary chicken preparation.
Ingredients
Main
- 4 -6 chicken breasts
- 1 16 ounce bottle Pepsi
- 1/2-1 cup margarine
- 1 cup ketchup
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, melt the margarine over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes per side until they achieve a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the Pepsi and ketchup. Whisk well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer, then return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the chicken to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and tender (internal temperature reaches 1650F / 740C).
- Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet and keep warm.
- If the sauce is too thin, increase the heat to medium-high and reduce it uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired glaze-like consistency.
- Return the chicken to the skillet to coat evenly in the thickened sauce, or simply spoon the sauce generously over the chicken when serving.
- Serve the Pepsi Chicken hot, ideally with a neutral side like rice or mashed potatoes to complement the rich sauce.
Notes
For a richer flavor and to prevent drying, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, searing them thoroughly to render fat and build a fond in the pan. While margarine is specified, unsalted butter would offer a more complex and superior flavor profile to the final sauce. The Pepsi and ketchup create a distinctly sweet and tangy glaze; to enhance its depth, a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder could be introduced. Be vigilant while reducing the sauce due to its high sugar content to avoid scorching. If a thicker sauce is desired, a cornstarch slurry can be whisked in at the end. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley for color and a hint of freshness.