If you have a craving for something both tangy and sweet with a hint of warmth, this Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe is a true culinary gem that will brighten up your dinner table. The luscious plum jam blends beautifully with savory soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar, creating a rich glaze that perfectly hugs tender chicken breasts. Every bite bursts with flavor that feels both comforting and a little adventurous, making this dish a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen.

Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet vibrant ingredients is the first step to crafting this irresistible Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s contributing to the succulent texture of the chicken or the glossy, flavorful sauce that makes this dish stand apart.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for quicker cooking and easy slicing.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
Plum jam: This is the star of the sauce, providing a natural sweetness and rich texture.
Soy sauce: Gives a savory boost and deep umami that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a gentle tartness and rounds out the flavors.
Garlic: Minced fresh cloves add a punch of aromatic warmth.
Ginger: Freshly grated, it introduces a lively, zesty note that lifts the entire dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors.

How to Make Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Searing the Chicken to Perfection

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms up, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and let each side cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are cooked through—this seals in the juices and creates a beautiful base for the sauce.

Step 2: Whisking Together the Sauce

While your chicken is cooking, combine plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Whisk them together until the sauce is smooth and glossy. This mixture packs a dynamic punch of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that you’ll love coating every bite of chicken with.

Step 3: Simmering to Create the Perfect Glaze

Once the chicken is nicely browned, pour in the homemade plum sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer right in the skillet. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly. This step transforms the sauce into a luscious glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 4: Serving with Style

Finally, transfer the chicken to plates and spoon that irresistible saucy plum mixture over the top. The gorgeous shine and vibrant flavors of the sauce will make your mouth water before your fork even hits the first bite.

How to Serve Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes brings an extra layer of freshness and color. Try sprinkling sliced green onions or chopped cilantro over the top. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds both crunch and a subtle nuttiness that pairs incredibly well with the plum glaze.

Side Dishes

This Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa are perfect for catching every last drop. For a veggie side, try sautéed bok choy or roasted asparagus that offer a crisp contrast to the rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the chicken sliced on a platter with a colorful bed of baby spinach and edible flowers. Alternatively, create lettuce wraps for a fresh, hands-on experience where each bite is a harmonious burst of flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Saucy Plum Chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the dish taste even better when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to save the sauce and chicken for longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating to maintain the dish’s integrity.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time to about 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

Is plum jam available year-round?

Yes, plum jam is typically available year-round in most grocery stores or specialty shops. If you can’t find plum jam, apricot or peach jam can be good substitutes, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

Can I make the sauce gluten-free?

Definitely. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the sauce safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe is mild and sweet with just a hint of warmth from the ginger, making it great for all palates. To add heat, you could toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced chili peppers.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can prep the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. However, it is best to cook the chicken fresh to keep it tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe is like inviting a burst of sunshine into your kitchen. It balances simplicity and sophisticated flavors in a way that leaves you wanting seconds, and everyone at your table will be asking for the secret. Give it a try, and this might just become your go-to recipe for a delicious weeknight feast or a special treat!

Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 63 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Saucy Plum Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and tangy plum sauce made with plum jam, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that combines savory and fruity flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Plum Sauce

1/2 cup plum jam
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger

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Instructions

Prepare and cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until both sides are browned and the chicken is cooked through.
Make the plum sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth.
Simmer in sauce: Pour the plum sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken thoroughly.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve the chicken breasts with the thickened plum sauce spooned generously over the top to enjoy a burst of sweet and savory flavor.