*This post is sponsored by Kroger and The Coca-Cola Company but all opinions are my own*

March is such a fun month!  We step out of winter hibernation, enjoy spring break and begin those social gatherings that will continue throughout the summer.  One of the other highlights for me is always March Madness! We all create brackets and cheer on our alma maters (MIZ!) as they fight to win the tourney.  If you are like me then you are likely to gather at some point during March Madness so that means that you will need some good bites.   Thankfully, Kroger has all of your Taste of the Tournament party needs including Coca-Cola.  I decided to spice things up a bit by taking my favorite soda to create Coca-Cola Barbecue Wings featuring a homemade barbecue sauce using Coca-Cola.  

Let me just tell you these wings are finger licking good and best of all can be prepared in your crockpot with little attention from you.  If you prefer crisper wings, throw them in the broiler for a bit before serving.  And the sauce?? Guys making your own sauce is the move! Go ahead and get in to this recipe!

The Recipe

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Print

Coca-Cola Barbecue Wings

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Cup Yellow Onion Finely chopped
  • 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • 24 Oz Tomato Sauce I used three cans of the Goya Spanish Style sauce
  • 3/4 Cup Coca-Cola
  • 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 Tsp Cumin
  • 1/4 Tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
  • 2-3 Drops Liquid Smoke

Instructions

  1. In a heavy bottom pan or dutch oven pour in olive oil and garlic.  Cook until items are soft. 

  2. Add in tomato sauce, Coca-Cola, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and sugar. Let mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes on medium low heat. 

  3. Add in your seasonings salt, cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, black pepper and liquid smoke.  Continue to taste as you go to ensure the taste fits your taste buds.  

  4. Next, grab your crockpot and add in defrosted chicken wings.  Season the chicken wings with desired seasoning.  Then add in 2/3 of the Coca-Cola Barbecue sauce to the mixture.  Allow wings to cook on high for 3-4 hours. 

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  5. If you prefer crisper wings, place them on a baking sheet and broil until they reach your desired crispiness. 

  6. Slather on remaining barbecue sauce and serve with ranch, blue cheese and veggies!

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The Takeaway

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Worth noting again that Kroger and Coca-Cola have you all covered for your tourney watching bites!  Coca-Cola is still the same that we all loved growing up with a refreshing taste and flavor. You could even make things more interesting by using Coca-Cola Orange Vanilla to bring out some additional flavors in the sauce.  Whichever Coca-Cola twist you pick, the flavor shines through in the barbecue sauce making it a great addition to party staples like chicken wings or if you are feeling fancy a brisket.

Good luck to all of your teams and brackets!