If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a luscious, glossy finish, this Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. The harmony between the sweet plum jam and the savory soy sauce creates a uniquely tangy glaze that clings beautifully to tender chicken breasts, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s fast, straightforward, and so satisfying — perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels fancy but never complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing flavor, contributing to the perfect sauce texture, or adding that subtle aromatic kick.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that absorbs all the saucy goodness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a golden brown and adds a subtle richness.
- 1/2 cup plum jam: Provides natural sweetness and the essential fruity base for the sauce.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds depth with its savory, salty umami notes.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity that balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant punch that elevates the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Gives a fresh, slightly spicy warmth that complements the plum jam.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every other ingredient in the dish.
How to Make Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, which will give the chicken a gorgeous golden crust. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides before adding them to the pan. Sear for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, allowing them to cook through while developing that irresistible caramelized exterior.
Step 2: Mix the Delicious Plum Sauce
While your chicken is cooking, combine the plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well blended. This vibrant sauce will turn your simple chicken into something truly special.
Step 3: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and nicely browned, pour the plum sauce mixture directly into the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce thickens slightly and beautifully coats each chicken breast with a glossy, sticky finish.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
With your chicken bathed in that incredible plum sauce, it’s ready to be plated and savored. Spoon extra sauce over the top for that perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness in every bite.
How to Serve Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the dish and add an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some finely chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top just before serving. A few toasted sesame seeds also make a wonderful crunchy contrast and boost the visual appeal, making your creation feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, which soaks up the delicious sauce. For added texture and color, steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli create a lovely balance and fresh bite alongside the rich chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of buttery mashed sweet potatoes or alongside roasted vegetable noodles. You could even turn it into an Asian-inspired bowl with pickled cucumbers and shredded carrots for a fresh crunch that complements the saucy chicken amazingly well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe tastes fantastic the next day. Store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure the chicken cools completely before sealing it to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious dish longer, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to leave some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the meat. You can add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, but be sure to cover the dish to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, thighs or drumsticks work beautifully, too, offering even juicier results. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is plum jam easy to find?
Yes, plum jam is commonly available in most grocery stores, often found in the jam or preserves aisle. If you can’t find plum jam, you might substitute with apricot or peach jam for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy dish to adapt for gluten sensitivity.
How spicy is the dish?
This Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe is mild with a hint of warmth from the ginger. If you’d like, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili sauce to kick up the heat to your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can partially prepare the sauce ahead and store it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. However, the chicken is best cooked fresh to maintain juicy tenderness. Combining just before serving keeps the dish tasting its best.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe is like inviting a burst of flavor and fun into your kitchen. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, it quickly becomes a crowd-pleaser that feels special without the fuss. Give it a go and watch it become one of your favorite weeknight meals to share with family and friends!
Print
Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Saucy Plum Chicken recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts glazed with a flavorful, sweet and tangy plum sauce made from plum jam, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that offers a delightful balance of savory and fruity tastes.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until they are browned and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Make the plum sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl until smooth and combined.
- Simmer with the sauce: Pour the plum sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to plates and spoon the thickened plum sauce over the top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the plum sauce mixture.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid drying out.
- Make sure to use plum jam and not plum preserves for a smoother sauce texture.
