Root Beer Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with irresistibly sticky and savory Root Beer Chicken! This mouthwatering dish combines tender, golden-seared chicken thighs with a bold sauce made from root beer, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and umami flavors. A quick cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to a glossy finish, beautifully coating each piece for maximum flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is delightfully simple yet packed with comfort-food vibes. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side. Perfect for family dinners, backyard gatherings, or any time you crave a unique twist on classic barbecue!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 cups root beer
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 stalks green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, pour in the root beer, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover with a lid and cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to coat it in the sauce.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry.

Step 6

Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the skillet.

Step 7

Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 8

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.

Step 9

Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon the sauce over the top, and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Step 10

Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1066.3 grams (1066.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1187

Total Fat 35.60g	46%
Saturated Fat 7.90g	40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.60g
Cholesterol 265mg	88%
Sodium 6625mg	288%
Total Carbohydrate 166.30g	60%
Dietary Fiber 4.60g	16%
Total Sugars 128.80g
Protein 54.10g	108%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 188mg	14%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 1551mg	33%

*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: 26.7%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 55.3%