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- Chicken thighs - Cherry cola - Soy sauce - Ketchup - Apple cider vinegar - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Olive oil - Slider buns - Fresh baby spinach or arugula - Sliced pickles The main ingredients are simple but very flavorful. Chicken thighs bring tenderness and juiciness. Cherry cola adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Soy sauce gives a nice umami kick, while ketchup balances it with a hint of sweetness. When it comes to additional ingredients, apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the taste without being too strong. Olive oil is key for grilling and adds richness. For toppings, slider buns hold everything together. Fresh baby spinach or arugula adds a nice crunch and freshness. Sliced pickles provide a tangy bite that contrasts well with the sweetness of the chicken. These ingredients blend to create a fun and tasty meal. You can find the full recipe for Cherry Cola Chicken Sliders in the link above. Each bite feels like a little party! To make the marinade, gather a medium mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of cherry cola, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1/4 cup of ketchup. Pour in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Next, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until smooth. For marinating time, use a large resealable bag. Place the chicken thighs inside and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best results, let it marinate overnight. When you're ready to grill, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. It should be hot before you add the chicken. Take the chicken out of the marinade, but keep the marinade for later use. Brush the grill with olive oil to stop sticking. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken. You can also chop it into small pieces if you prefer. Toss the shredded chicken in the thickened marinade until every piece is coated. For assembly, take the bottom half of a slider bun. Add a generous scoop of the cherry cola chicken. Top with a handful of fresh spinach or arugula. Finish with some sliced pickles. Place the top half of the bun on top. Enjoy your Cherry Cola Chicken Sliders! You can find the Full Recipe for more details and tips. To avoid sticking, brush your grill with olive oil before cooking. This simple step helps the chicken slide right off. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for about 5-7 minutes per side. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or chili powder on the chicken. These spices add a nice kick. When it comes to sides, coleslaw or potato salad pairs well. You can also serve these sliders with a side of sweet potato fries for a fun twist. To present your sliders, arrange them on a rustic wooden board. This makes for a charming display. Include a small bowl of pickles and a dish of the thickened marinade as a dipping sauce. This adds flair and flavor, making your sliders look even more inviting. These tips will help you impress your guests at any gathering. Enjoy your delicious creation with friends and family! {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Pulled pork works great with cherry cola. It adds a rich, smoky flavor. Tofu is a fantastic choice for a vegan option. It absorbs the marinade well and gives a nice texture. Turkey is another lean alternative that can also shine in this recipe. Feel free to get creative with spices. Adding smoked paprika gives a nice, warm kick. You can also try chili powder for some heat. Other soda flavors can work too! Root beer can add a unique twist. Lemon-lime soda brings brightness and a fresh taste. If you're gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the flavor while making it safe for your diet. For vegan adaptations, replace chicken with jackfruit or tempeh. Both options soak up the marinade well. Ensure the buns are gluten-free or vegan to match your needs. To keep your Cherry Cola Chicken Sliders fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors. They stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Before serving again, check for any off smells or discoloration. If it looks or smells funny, it's best to toss it. If you want to save sliders for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method keeps them from getting freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat your sliders in a few ways. The oven method is best for keeping them crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the sliders in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just place the slider on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30 seconds. Check and heat more if needed, but avoid overcooking. Yes, you can use diet cherry cola. However, the flavor will change. Diet cola lacks the full sweetness of regular cola. This may lead to a less rich taste in your sliders. You might want to add a bit of extra sugar or honey to balance it out. If you prefer a lighter version, diet cola will work, but expect a different flavor. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least one hour. For the best taste, try to marinate it overnight. This gives the chicken time to soak up all the tasty flavors. Longer marination makes the chicken more tender and flavorful. Just avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as it can get mushy. Great sides for these sliders include: - Coleslaw - Sweet potato fries - Grilled corn on the cob - Potato salad - Fresh veggie sticks These sides bring out the sweet and tangy flavors of the sliders. They also add a fresh crunch for a balanced meal. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! For a full recipe, check out the complete guide on Cherry Cola Chicken Sliders. This blog post provided a detailed guide to making Cherry Cola Chicken Sliders. You learned about the key ingredients, including chicken thighs and cherry cola, and got step-by-step cooking instructions. Tips for grilling, flavor enhancements, and storage info were also included. I hope you feel inspired to try new variations and serve these tasty sliders at your next gathering. Embrace creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy making these delicious bites!

Cherry Cola Chicken Sliders

Savor the mouthwatering delight of Cherry Cola Chicken Sliders with this easy recipe! Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful cherry cola sauce create the perfect addition to your next gathering. Assemble these sliders with fresh spinach and pickles for a burst of flavor. Ready in just 1.5 hours, they are sure to impress your guests. Click through to discover the full recipe and create this tasty treat today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup cherry cola (non-diet)

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

6-8 slider buns

A handful of fresh baby spinach or peppery arugula for topping

Sliced pickles, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cherry cola, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until fully blended.

    Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the cherry cola marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavors.

      Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, heat your grill or a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.

        Prepare the Chicken for Grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade, making sure to reserve the marinade for later.

          Grill the Chicken: Lightly brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking, then add the chicken thighs. Cook the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

            Thicken the Marinade: While the chicken cooks, transfer the reserved marinade to a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened slightly.

              Shred the Chicken: After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the chicken, or chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.

                Combine Chicken and Marinade: Toss the shredded chicken in the thickened marinade until each piece is evenly coated.

                  Assemble the Sliders: For each slider, take the bottom half of the bun and top it with a generous portion of the cherry cola chicken. Garnish with a handful of fresh spinach or arugula, then add a couple of sliced pickles on top. Complete the slider with the top half of the bun.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins | Servings: 6-8 sliders

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve your sliders on a charming rustic wooden board or platter. Include a small bowl of extra pickles and a dish of the leftover thickened marinade as a dipping sauce to enhance flavor and presentation. Enjoy your delicious creation with friends and family!