If you’ve ever had KFC’s sticky, finger-lickin’ Cola Dunked Wings at one of their South African pop-ups or just saw the glossy, dark glaze dripping from a promo photo and thought, I need that, then this cola dunked sauce copycat is for you. It’s smoky, sweet, and spiced just right, with that unmistakable cola-caramel finish that hugs every crisp bite of chicken like it was made to.
Think of it as BBQ sauce that went to a rock concert, drank soda backstage, and came back with even more attitude. Whether you’re coating crispy fried wings, tossing grilled drumsticks, or using it as a dip for nuggets and fries, this KFC Cola Dunked Sauce delivers bold, sticky joy with every swipe.
The best part? You can whip it up in under 20 minutes, with ingredients you probably already have.
Table of Contents
How to make Copycat KFC Cola Dunked Sauce
Start by reducing classic Coca-Cola (yes, the real thing) to concentrate the sweetness and that signature cola flavor. Then you’ll blend in BBQ sauce, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and a touch of vinegar to balance it all. A little cornstarch helps it cling just right, whether you’re dunking, brushing, or drizzling. It’s the kind of sauce that’ll make you lick the bowl after the wings are gone.
Nutrition facts (per 2 tbsp serving)
- Calories: 70
- Total Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
Ingredients (makes about 1¼ cups)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 1¼ cups (enough for 1 kg wings)
- 1½ cups Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
- ½ cup tomato ketchup
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky style)
- 1 tbsp golden syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Optional: ¼ tsp smoked paprika or ⅛ tsp garlic powder for depth
Tools you’ll need
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heatproof spoon (for checking thickness)
- Small jar or bowl for storing
Instructions
Step 1 – Reduce the cola
Pour the Coca-Cola into a saucepan over medium heat. Let it bubble gently and reduce for about 6–8 minutes until it’s down to roughly 1 cup. This concentrates the flavor and creates that sticky base.
Step 2 – Build the sauce
Add in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, golden syrup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, vinegar, and any optional spices. Stir well. Let it simmer another 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should darken and begin to thicken.
Step 3 – Thicken and finish
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Pour it into the simmering sauce and whisk constantly for 30–60 seconds until it thickens to a glossy, syrupy texture.
Step 4 – Serve or store
Let the sauce cool slightly before dunking freshly fried or grilled wings. Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently to loosen before using.
Tips
- Use regular Coca-Cola, not diet or zero, for the right sugar content and flavor depth.
- Simmer gently, not at a rolling boil, to avoid burning the sugars or losing aroma.
- Don’t skip the reduction step—this is what gives the glaze its cola-forward magic.
- For spicier wings, add ½ tsp chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce.
What to serve with
Crispy Chicken Wings
This is the obvious hero pairing. Double-fried or air-fried wings work best. Coat them hot, right after cooking, and let the glaze settle for a few seconds before serving.
Popcorn Chicken or Nuggets
Dunk little crispy bites straight into the sauce for the ultimate snack. Great for game day or party trays.
Crispy Fries or Potato Wedges
Cola dunked sauce makes an epic fry dip. That sweet-savory contrast against salty fries is dangerously addictive.
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Brush this sauce over grilled skewers in the final minutes of cooking. The sugars caramelize fast, so baste toward the end for best results.
On a Burger
Add a spoonful of cola sauce to a grilled chicken or beef burger for that smoky-sweet KFC vibe. Works especially well with cheddar and crunchy lettuce.
Mac and Cheese on the Side
For a fast-food-style plate, pair dunked wings with creamy mac. The richness of the cheese and the boldness of the sauce are made for each other.
Variations
Spicy Cola Glaze
Add 1 tsp chili paste (like sambal oelek) or ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the sauce during simmering. Balances the sweetness with a punch of heat.
Garlic Cola Dunked Sauce
Toss in 1 tsp minced garlic or ¼ tsp garlic powder for a savory twist. You’ll get that warm, rounded mid-palate flavor that makes it feel more homemade.
Sticky Cola BBQ Ribs
Use this sauce on oven-baked or grilled pork ribs. Baste during the final 10 minutes of cooking, then add a second layer right before serving for full shine.
Vegan Version
Just sub a vegan Worcestershire (many brands are anchovy-free) and make sure your BBQ sauce doesn’t contain honey.
Ketchup-Free Variant
For a more from-scratch feel, use 3 tbsp tomato paste + ¼ cup water in place of ketchup. Add ½ tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp sugar to balance it out.
Ingredient substitutes
Coca-Cola
Original: Regular Coca-Cola
Substitutes: Pepsi, RC Cola, or Dr Pepper (for a spiced twist). Do not use diet or zero-calorie versions—they won’t reduce or caramelize the same.
BBQ Sauce
Original: Sweet and smoky bottled BBQ sauce
Substitutes: Homemade BBQ sauce, or a blend of tomato paste, molasses, smoked paprika, and vinegar
Golden Syrup / Honey
Original: Golden syrup or mild honey
Substitutes: Corn syrup, agave, maple syrup, or brown sugar syrup
Tomato Ketchup
Original: Standard tomato ketchup
Substitutes: Tomato paste + a splash of vinegar + a pinch of sugar
Worcestershire Sauce
Original: Classic Worcestershire
Substitutes: Soy sauce + a splash of balsamic vinegar or tamarind concentrate for depth; vegan Worcestershire also works
Cornstarch
Original: Cornstarch slurry
Substitutes: Arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or reduce the sauce a bit longer without any thickener for a thinner finish
Vinegar
Original: Apple cider vinegar
Substitutes: White vinegar, lemon juice, or rice vinegar (adds a slightly gentler tang)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Coca-Cola (regular, not diet)
- ½ cup tomato ketchup
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky style)
- 1 tablespoon golden syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder for depth
Instructions
Step 1 – Reduce the cola
Pour the Coca-Cola into a saucepan over medium heat. Let it bubble gently and reduce for about 6–8 minutes until it’s down to roughly 1 cup. This concentrates the flavor and creates that sticky base.
Step 2 – Build the sauce
Add in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, golden syrup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, vinegar, and any optional spices. Stir well. Let it simmer another 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should darken and begin to thicken.
Step 3 – Thicken and finish
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Pour it into the simmering sauce and whisk constantly for 30–60 seconds until it thickens to a glossy, syrupy texture.
Step 4 – Serve or store
Let the sauce cool slightly before dunking freshly fried or grilled wings. Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently to loosen before using.
Notes
Calories: 70 Total Fat: 0.5 g Saturated Fat: 0 g Carbohydrates: 17 g Sugar: 15 g Protein: 0.3 g
