Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken

  • 10MINS
  • 25MINS
  • Serves 4
  • 217KCAL

This slimming friendly sweet and sticky dish is an easy dinner whether you're counting calories or following plans like Weight Watchers.

  • Batch Cook pinchofnom.com
  • Dairy Free pinchofnom.com
  • Everyday Light pinchofnom.com
Easy Peasy Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken pinchofnom.com
4

NutritionPer Serving

  • Calories217
  • Carbs13g
  • Protein17g
  • Fat4g
  • Saturates1g
  • Sugars5g

Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken - Pinch of Nom Slimming Recipes

For the full list of ingredients and comprehensive instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of 

Believe it or not, you can do much more than just drinking Pepsi Max and Diet Coke!

Our Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken is quick, tasty and mega easy to throw together after a long day at work. The last thing you want to be doing it slaving over a hot stove for hours on end. There are a lot of variations of “Diet Coke Chicken” online, some of which are a little peculiar. Most of them use… surprise, surprise Diet Coke!

We prefer to use Pepsi Max as we think it thickens better than Diet Coke. You could even use the Pepsi Max Ginger for a more concentrated ginger taste. We’ve packed this dish with tons of veggies, but feel free to swap out any you don’t fancy; the beauty of this dish is its versatility, so chuck your leftovers in if you like.

What diets is this Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken suitable for?

This Pepsi Max / Diet Coke Chicken recipe is suitable if you’re gluten free as long as you swap out the following ingredients for gluten free versions;

  • Stock cubes/pots
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Vinegar

You can also enjoy this Pepsi Max / Diet Coke Chicken if you’re dairy free.

Please make sure to double or triple check all of your ingredients if you’re cooking for people with allergies.

Do you need any special ingredients to make Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken?

You may have guessed, the Pepsi Max or Diet Coke is the key ingredient in this dish!

The 5 Spice is also key for that Chinese flavour, but it’s a common ingredient found in most spice racks. If you don’t have any it’s available everywhere, and you will find lots of Chinese recipes here at Pinch of Nom to use it in.

Hints & Tips

Below we added some of our communities most common hints and tips. We hope you find them useful.

1
NEW TIP
Fake away
I added water chestnuts and marinated the chicken in the Chinese 5 spices for a couple of hours
NEW TIP
I love it, I could eat every day
I enjoy this recipe with thigh chicken its more juicy. I have batch cooked this meal so I can enjoy it more
One of our favourite recipes!
We added a tablespoon of honey for some sweetness.
1
Don’t knock it, it’s yummy
A great takeaway. Tastes amazing and really Chinese. Use the left over half stock cube to cook the noodles for added flavour
1
An old recipe but remains delicious
I added some water chestnuts and sugar snap peas to our meal. Not had this for a dinner for sometime but it was still as yummy as I remembered it to be.
1
Who needs a take away when you can have this
I add water chestnuts instead of the mushrooms and double up in the sauce
1
Fanta chicken
I add water chestnuts instead of mushrooms, garden peas instead of baby corn and green peppers and changed to diet Fanta for more of a sweet n sour taste .
Great tasty meal
I use a bag of frozen stir fry veg with the chicken. Cheaper way to get all the stir fry veg in the dish
Pepsi max chicken
Easy to make and very tasty. Using the Pepsi max instead of Diet Coke is definitely good too, it thickens better and it tastes more of a bbq flavour
Swapped the chicken for gammon and it’s a winner
Spiced it up!
Added slightly less 5 spice as I find over powering but added some chilli to give a little kick.
Few swaps that didn't affect the overall result.
Swapped chicken breasts for boneless/skinless chicken thighs. Used red wine stock pot instead of chicken and red wine vinegar. The dish was fantastic will deffo make again and again
2
Love it!
Used a ramekin to shape the rice and topped with some spring onion
A delicious rainbow of vegetables contained in one meal
One of the main merits of this recipe is the versatility it offers! You can adjust it to your personal taste adding whatever vegetables you fancy, but keeping the same overall flavour.
Easy to cook and tasted amazing!
If like me you prefer a kick, add some siracha hot sauce to it 😋
Diet Cola chicken - Yum!!
Extra veg is also lovely!
This dish is lovely made with king prawns also
Amazing flavours, doesn't taste like a "diet" meal at all!
Add any leftover veggies to stop them from going to waste - this week I added brocolli which was delicious!

We love hearing from you, submit any tips or tricks you have for this dish and we’ll review them and add some of them here. Just click here.

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‘Just delicious. I love to make it with zero Fanta and it is just like sweet and sour. My son also eats it every time!’

Cat

How many calories are in this Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken?

Takeaways are nearly always super high in calories, but this recipe is only 217 calories per portion! This means it falls into our Everyday Light recipe category.

This Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken is perfect if you’re following a calorie controlled diet, and fits well with any one of the major diet plans such as Weight Watchers.

As a guide, an average man needs around 2,500kcal (10,500kJ) a day to maintain a healthy body weight. For an average woman, that figure is around 2,000kcal (8,400kJ) a day. Obviously, if your goal is to lose weight then you might want to adjust these slightly! You can read more about these recommendations on the NHS website.

Step 1

Spray a frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and heat gently.

Step 2

Add the chicken, sprinkle with the 5 spice and season. Stir and cook until the chicken has started to brown.

Step 2 pinchofnom.com

Step 3

Remove the chicken from the pan, add a few more sprays of low calorie cooking spray and then fry off the onions, ginger, garlic and mushrooms.

Step 3 pinchofnom.com

Step 4

Cook until they start to soften.

Step 5

Add peppers, baby corn, tomato puree, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and vinegar. Stir then add the Diet Coke/Pepsi. Stir and bring to the boil.

Step 5 pinchofnom.com

Step 6

Stir in the half a stock cube and the stock pot and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Step 7

When the sauce has started to thicken and go a bit syrupy, return the chicken to the pan and stir in the spring onions.

Step 7 pinchofnom.com

Step 8

Simmer for another 10 minutes. Check the consistency and if it’s not quite thick enough simmer for a bit longer, until the required consistency is reached.

Step 8 pinchofnom.com

Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken - Pinch of Nom Slimming RecipesWhat should you should serve with Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken?

You could enjoy this Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken on its own, with fluffy white rice, or serve it with one of the suggestions below:

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Cookbook Pinch of Nom Cookbook pinchofnom.com
  • 30MINS
  • 370KCal
Fakeaway Fried Rice pinchofnom.com
Easy Peasy
  • 25MINS
  • 361KCal
Dirty Rice pinchofnom.com
Easy Peasy
  • 30MINS
  • 391KCal

How do you know when Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken is cooked?

The chicken will be cooked throughout. You can cut a piece in half to check that the meat is white all the way through. When the dish is ready the sauce will be thick and syrupy.

This will take approximately 25 minutes on the hob.

Standard advice here in the UK is to cook food until it has reached 70°C and stayed at that temperature for 2 minutes. This is to keep your family safe.

How long can you keep Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken in the fridge?

Once you’ve put it out, ideally you should eat it within 4 hours.

If you allow any left overs to cool, make sure to refrigerate in a container with a lid and chill.  You can keep leftovers of Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken in the fridge for approximately 3 days or so.

Can I freeze this Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken?

Yes you can! This recipe can be frozen, but please remember to do the following;

  • Freeze it as soon as it is cold enough.
  • Use a container or bag that is suitable for freezing.

Don’t forget to add a label with what it is, and on what date you put it in the freezer!

How do I reheat Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken?

From chilled: Place in a microwave proof container with loosely fitting lid and heat for 4-7 minutes until piping hot.

From frozen: Allow to defrost, and heat covered in the microwave for 3-5 minutes then stir. Cook for a further 5-7 minutes until piping hot.

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Diet Coke / Pepsi Max Chicken

This slimming friendly sweet and sticky dish is an easy dinner whether you're counting calories or following plans like Weight Watchers and similar.
  • Prep Time
    10 MINS
  • Cook Time
    25 MINS
  • KCals 217
  • Carbs 13G

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts diced
  • 1/2 tsp Chinese 5 spice
  • sea salt
  • 1 red onion sliced
  • 6 mushrooms quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1.5 cm fresh ginger finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar or you can use balsamic, white wine, red wine or rice vinegar, just not standard vinegar.
  • 1/2 red pepper cut into strips
  • 1/2 green pepper cut into strips
  • 1/2 yellow pepper cut into strips
  • 6 baby corn cut in half lengthways
  • 1 chicken stock pot
  • 1/2 chicken stock cubes
  • 1 can Diet Coke or Pepsi Max
  • 5 spring onions roughly chopped
  • low calorie cooking spray

We use a fan assisted oven for all of our recipes. Check out our oven temperature conversion guide.

Please do not screenshot this. Recipes are updated often

Instructions

  1. Spray a frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and heat gently
  2. Add the chicken, sprinkle with the 5 spice and season. Stir and cook until the chicken has started to brown
  3. Remove the chicken from the pan, add a few more sprays of low calorie cooking spray then fry off the onions, ginger, garlic and mushrooms
  4. Cook until they start to soften
  5. Add peppers, baby corn, tomato puree, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and vinegar. Stir then add the Coke/Pepsi. Stir and bring to the boil.
  6. Stir in the half a stock cube and the stock pot and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes
  7. When the sauce has started to thicken and go a bit syrupy, return the chicken to the pan and stir in the spring onions
  8. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Check the consistency and if it's not quite thick enough simmer for a bit longer, until the required consistency is reached

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130 comments

See what others have to say

Carol DavisThursday 29th August 2019

Can I do this recipe in a slow cooker please looks amazing

Reply

    Emma TThursday 19th September 2019

    Hi Carol,

    This recipe isn’t really suitable for slow cooking as the sauce needs to reduce ????

    Reply

LiliThursday 25th July 2019

Hi, could i use tomato passata if I don’t have a purée?

Thanks 🙂

Reply

    Emma TWednesday 25th September 2019

    Hi Lili,

    Tomato passata isn’t really concentrated enough and you would need a lot of it to get the flavour you need which would make the sauce too runny ????

    Reply

EmmaSaturday 30th March 2019

Hi POC thankyou so much for this recipe, I made it this evening, it’s was lush and have now purchased your book, xxx

Reply

    Emma TSunday 7th April 2019

    So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you ????

    Reply

LauraTuesday 19th March 2019

Literally one of the best meals I have ever eaten. Doesn’t taste “healthy” at all but I love love loved it!!!

Reply

GillyTuesday 26th February 2019

I made this the other night. Loved it! So easy to make and tasty. Even with a fussy eater in the house it went down very well. Cant wait to try more.

Reply

PerrySunday 24th February 2019

This is a firm favourite in my house even my 4yr old loves it. I’ve added water chestnuts, broccoli florets and bean sprouts which bulks it out a lot. Thanks for the recipe

Reply

Becca TalbotSaturday 23rd February 2019

I don’t think I could make this recipe myself, as I do not like oranges one bit – but maybe I could change the Fanta for something else? Like Sparkling Rubicon mango or something? X

Reply

JaneFriday 8th February 2019

Love this recipe. Thank you. Thinking of doing it with pork instead of chicken? Have you tried it ?

Reply

Demi MulliganWednesday 6th February 2019

Hi I was just wondering does it have to be avocado fry light or can I use fry light virgin olive oil? Thank you in advance?

Reply

Victoria RichesSunday 13th January 2019

Made this many times thanks for a great recipe. I’ve just purchased a pressure king pro was wondering if could make it in there? Thanks

Reply

ZoeSaturday 12th January 2019

Absolutely amazing love this recipe – thank you

Reply

LottieThursday 13th December 2018

Has anyone tried cooking this in the slow cooker?

Reply

Sarah McCarthyTuesday 20th November 2018

Hi, just wondering how much water do i add to the stock cube and how much water do i add to the stock pot?

Reply

Lorraine RigbyMonday 1st October 2018

Hi there I’m attempting this dish this evening 🙂 I have big eaters and feel 2 chicken breast won’t be enough can I just use 4 ? Also then would I have to double up on the ingredients? Many thx

Reply

RuthTuesday 11th September 2018

I have run out of stock pots and wanted to make this tonight – can I just add more chicken stick cube to compensate?

Reply

Geraint DaviesThursday 23rd August 2018

I am making this tomorrow can you add more vegetables if you want, I am making two, one for me and one for my girlfriend as she doesn’t like the spicy food

Reply

GeraldineSaturday 18th August 2018

Lovely! And a real change for me. When you give the calories is rice included or do I add it separately? Many thamks.

Reply

Clare WhiteWednesday 8th August 2018

Can I make this in the instant pot?

Reply

LeanneMonday 9th July 2018

How long will this keep in the fridge? Many thanks.

Reply

Jazmin LeeThursday 31st May 2018

Cooked this for tea last night, it had an odd taste to it i think i will adjust the method as i think the baby corn absorbs the spices and not in a good way.
I have to say though when i too those out the flavour was awsome. the whole family ate it i’ll definately cook this again and possible freeze for lunch times.

Reply

NormanTuesday 24th April 2018

Just had this for tea with partner Carol think I over cooked ved but turn out very nice would make again .try it

Reply

CazWednesday 21st March 2018

Do i need to use whole garlic and ginger or could i use a puree tubes instead?
Thank you

Reply

NicholaSaturday 17th March 2018

Fab thank you

Reply

NicholaSaturday 17th March 2018

I dont have any stock pots in, could I just use another stock cube?
Thanks

Reply

Victoria SturgessThursday 15th March 2018

oh…..my…days….
I made this last night, its absolutely gorgeous. My fave now.

Reply

Theresa GallagherWednesday 14th March 2018

Tried this tonight but changed the cola for Fanta it tasted like sweet and sour a great fakeaway but needs tweaking..Love the recipe. Your recipes are great will never go to the take away again!

Reply

Lydia RiceFriday 23rd February 2018

This was so so tasty!! I added mangetout and as i didn’t have any ginger in i used half pepsi max and half ginger beer. Really helped with that firey taste. Turned out lovely. Thankyou so much!

Reply

LornaTuesday 20th February 2018

Tried this recipe tonight – very easy to prepare and delicious! Thank you.

Reply

Mary WoolleyMonday 19th February 2018

Hi there
Looking forward to trying this. Just wondering if I could do this in the slow cooker?
Thanks

Reply

    Mary WoolleyMonday 19th February 2018

    Ooops just read ^^
    Thanks

    Reply

SarahTuesday 13th February 2018

Had this a few times now and loved it every time, just to change things up a bit could I use diet Fanta instead of Pepsi max? If so would I need to change any of the other ingredients? Thanks x

Reply

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