Ingredients:

• 700 g (25 oz) chicken breast
• 500 ml (17 fl oz) Coca-Cola
• 3 g (0.1 oz) salt
• 3 g (0.1 oz) black pepper
• 100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese
• 1 carrot, grated
• 100 g (3.5 oz) canned mushrooms, drained and sliced
• 10 g (0.4 oz) parsley, chopped
• 80 g (2.8 oz) cheese cream
• 1 green spicy pepper, finely chopped
• 100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 100 g (3.5 oz) cheddar cheese (for topping)

Steps on How to Do It:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, making sure all sides are evenly coated.
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil if needed. Sear the chicken on both sides until it turns golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). The chicken should not be fully cooked at this stage.
2. Cook the Chicken in Coca-Cola:
   • Once the chicken is seared, pour 500 ml of Coca-Cola over the chicken in the skillet. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the chicken simmer in the Coca-Cola for about 20 minutes. This will help tenderize the meat and add a sweet glaze to the chicken as the soda reduces.
   • Stir occasionally and allow the sauce to reduce until it becomes thick and sticky. The chicken should be fully cooked through by the time the sauce has thickened.
3. Prepare the Stuffed Mushrooms:
   • While the chicken is simmering, prepare the stuffed mushrooms. In a bowl, mix the canned mushrooms with 80 g of cheese cream, 100 g of mozzarella, and finely chopped green spicy pepper.
   • Spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap, pressing down gently to fill them completely. Top with a bit of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
4. Bake the Stuffed Mushrooms:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the stuffed mushrooms on the tray.
   • Bake the mushrooms in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The mushrooms should be tender and slightly browned on the edges.
5. Finish the Chicken:
   • Once the Coca-Cola sauce has reduced and coated the chicken, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh garnish.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the Coca-Cola glazed chicken alongside the cheesy stuffed mushrooms. Garnish with more parsley if desired, and enjoy the combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 38 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Sugars: 12 g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portions used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of soda instead of Coca-Cola?
   • Yes! You can experiment with different sodas like Dr. Pepper or root beer for a similar effect. These sodas will also create a sweet, sticky glaze that pairs well with chicken.
2. What can I use as a substitute for cheese cream?
   • If you don’t have cheese cream, you can substitute it with cream cheese or ricotta. Both options will give the same creamy texture to the mushroom filling.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes! You can prepare the chicken and let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet with a bit of water or stock to loosen the sauce. You can also prepare the stuffed mushrooms ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
4. How can I adjust the level of spice in the dish?
   • If you want to reduce the heat, you can remove the seeds from the green spicy pepper or use a milder pepper variety like bell pepper. For more heat, feel free to add extra pepper or a dash of cayenne powder.
5. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned mushrooms?
   • Yes! Fresh mushrooms can be used in place of canned mushrooms. Simply sauté them with a bit of oil and salt to soften before using them in the filling.

Tips on How to Make It:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken as it simmers in the Coca-Cola. You want the sauce to reduce and coat the chicken, but not to dry it out. Once the sauce is thick, remove the chicken from the heat to avoid overcooking.
• Customize the Stuffed Mushrooms: Feel free to add extra ingredients to the mushroom filling, such as chopped spinach, bacon bits, or even sun-dried tomatoes. This can add more layers of flavor and texture.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh element to the dish. You can also substitute parsley with cilantro or basil if you prefer different herbs.
• Cheese Toppings: When topping the stuffed mushrooms, make sure to use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar. The mozzarella provides a creamy melt, while cheddar adds a sharp flavor that complements the sweetness of the chicken.

Storage Tips:

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover chicken and stuffed mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze the Coca-Cola chicken for up to 3 months. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to store it with the sauce. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm on the stovetop.
• Reheating Mushrooms: The stuffed mushrooms can be reheated in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving them as the cheese may become rubbery.

Conclusion:

This Coca-Cola Chicken with Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms and Spicy Pepper is a dish that brings together bold, unique flavors in an exciting and easy-to-make recipe. The Coca-Cola adds a rich, sweet glaze to the chicken, balancing perfectly with the savory cheesy mushrooms and the slight heat from the pepper. This recipe is perfect for those who want to experiment with new flavor combinations and impress guests with something different.

Serve this meal at a family dinner or special occasion, and you’ll love how the sweet, savory, and spicy elements work together to create a memorable dish. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it both convenient and delicious. Enjoy this tasty, creative take on chicken, and bring some fun and flavor to your next meal!

Happy cooking, and enjoy!