Slow Cooker Irn Bru Chicken

Irn Bru Chicken in the slow cooker? Haud yer wheesht. That has to be a piss take, right!?

No my friends, this is a legitimate recipe. You may have heard of Diet Coke Chicken but I've gone one better and used our nation's favourite soft drink instead. It's kinda like a sweet and sour chicken but a bit more interesting and served with an extra slab of banter.

If you've never had the pleasure of trying or even hearing about Irn Bru before, let me explain...

Irn Bru is a carbonated soft drink that has been a staple in Scotland for over a century. This bright orange beverage is often referred to as “Scotland’s other national drink” and has a unique, fruity flavour that sets it apart from other fizzy drinks.

The history of Irn Bru dates back to 1901, when it was first produced by  A.G. Barr. Over the years, the recipe for Irn Bru has been kept a closely guarded secret, and the drink has become a beloved icon in Scotland. In fact, Irn Bru is so popular in Scotland that it is often considered to be the country's unofficial national drink.

One of the key ingredients in Irn Bru is a secret blend of 32 flavours, including fruity, sweet, and spicy notes. This combination of flavours creates a taste that is both refreshing and invigorating, making it the perfect ingredient to add to a variety of dishes, including chicken.

In addition to its delicious flavour, Irn Bru is also known for its distinctive bright orange colour. This vibrant hue has become synonymous with the brand, and Irn Bru is now widely recognized as one of the most recognizable soft drinks in the world.

In recent years, Irn Bru has become increasingly popular outside of Scotland and is now enjoyed by people all around the world. From the UK to Australia, people are discovering the unique taste of Irn Bru and are falling in love with this fizzy favourite.

Don't get too caught up about the sugar in this recipe either, there is the equivalent of 1/5 of a can per serving, not really worth getting all upset about. If you do want to cut the calories, you can use a Diet Irn Bru but the sauce doesn't taste as good so go on, treat yourself to a can of the proper stuff.

What Slow Cooker Do You Use?

I use a Morphy Richards 6.5L slow cooker but it doesn't seem to be stocked on Amazon anymore. I had a look and this slow cooker looks very similar to the one I use.

The main thing I would say when getting a slow cooker is get one that is at least 6L as it will mean you can cook most slow cooker recipes that you'll find. I haven't used one that sears the food for you. I find that a frying pan does that just fine 😉

Key Ingredients In Slow Cooker Irn Bru Chicken

Irn Bru. The key ingredient. Full sugar (yes it's not the same as it was) version works best. Diet is ok but just lacks a bit of something. If you can't get Irn Bru use a Coke or something that's generically sweet, fruity and has a flavour that you can't quite describe....

Smoked Paprika. A delicious seasoning that's one of my favourite spices to use in recipes. If you only have normal or sweet paprika that's ok, but smoked is better.

Worcestershire Sauce. This is a great ingredient for adding a bit of punch to any recipe. There isn't really a substitute for it.

Chicken Breast. This recipe works best with chicken breast but can also be done with pork fillet. If you do use pork, you'll just need to cook for longer.

Cornflour. Often a key ingredient when cooking in the slow cooker to help thicken the recipe so you don't end up with a soup.

Slow Cooker Irn Bru Chicken

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4.5 from 2 reviews

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Whisky sauce, haggis, porridge, neeps and tatties and a deep-fried Mars Bar are some 'traditional' Scottish delights you will certainly have come across. However, you've probably never seen a recipe that features our favourite drink - Irn Bru - until now......

• Total Time: 5 hours, 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Ingredients

Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x

1 kg chicken breast, chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

20 ml Worcestershire Sauce

20 g tomato puree

30 g cornflour (corn starch for US)

1 tsp. smoked paprika

330 ml Irn Bru or Coke (needs to be the full sugar kind)

1/2 tsp. salt

Good few grinds of black pepper

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Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker. Mix through. Cover and cook for 4 to 5 hours on low.

• Author: Scott Baptie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Poultry
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Scottish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 279
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 47g

Storage Tips

To Store: This will store for a few days in an airtight container in the fridge.

To Reheat: Like most stews and casseroles, this reheats well in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

To Freeze: This freezes well and can be reheated at a later date.

FAQs

How can I make this if I don't have a slow cooker?

Two ways. One would be on the stove. If you do this option use much less (if any) cornflour and add in extra liquid. Another can might be OTT so extra stock would probably be best. Probably pan fry the chicken first then add to the rest of the ingredients. You could also do it in the oven, same method applies but maybe try with chicken thighs to stop it drying out and cook for a couple of hours at about 160 C.

What do you serve it with?

If you wanted to go "full Scottish" then my inclination would be to go with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) but personally I prefer it with rice (like a sweet and sour).

Is it really sweet?

Not really. It's not really any sweeter than a recipe that would feature honey as one of the prominent ingredients like a honey chilli chicken (for example).

Go forth and cook...

In summary, Irn Bru Chicken is a delicious slow cooker recipe that is infused with the sweet and fruity flavours of Irn Bru. This dish is perfect for serving as a main course and is a winner for meal prep.

Our 'Slow Cooker Irn-Bru Chicken Recipe' is a testament to the creativity and convenience offered by slow cookers. This recipe combines the unique flavor of Irn-Bru with the ease of slow cooking, resulting in a delicious and fuss-free meal. The 'Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker,' such as time-saving preparation and enhanced flavor infusion, are perfectly showcased in this dish. Whether you’re a fan of Irn-Bru or just looking for new slow cooker ideas, our Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker page will give you insights into why this cooking method can transform your meal planning, offering both convenience and taste.