This Saucy Plum Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, tangy plum sauce made with plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. It’s a quick and flavorful one-pan dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights, and sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The balance of sweet plum jam and savory soy sauce makes for a delicious, sticky sauce that’s perfect for spooning over juicy chicken. This recipe is simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, and it comes together in only 20 minutes! It’s ideal for busy evenings when you need a fast, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. The garlic and ginger add depth to the sauce, giving the dish a wonderful savory aroma.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 cup plum jam
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated ginger
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
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Pour the plum sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
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Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Add Veggies: For a complete one-pan meal, add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach during the simmering step.
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Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for some spice.
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Use Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
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Fruit Swap: Swap plum jam with apricot or peach jam for a different fruity flavor in the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh plums instead of plum jam?
Yes, you can use fresh plums. Just cook them down with a bit of sugar to create a jam-like consistency. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of homemade plum jam for this recipe.
2. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs will work well, and they tend to be juicier. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
4. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink.
6. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, for a spicier version, add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a dash of hot sauce to the plum sauce mixture.
7. Can I serve this with something other than rice?
Yes, this dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or even a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
9. Can I make the sauce without soy sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos if you’re looking for a gluten-free or soy-free option.
10. Can I add more fruit to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like peaches or apricots to the sauce for added sweetness and complexity.
Conclusion
Saucy Plum Chicken is an easy, quick, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. The sweet and savory plum sauce, with hints of garlic and ginger, brings out the best in juicy chicken. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious, comforting meal in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner!
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Saucy Plum Chicken
Saucy Plum Chicken is a quick and flavorful one-pan dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a rich, tangy plum sauce made with plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup plum jam
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
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Pour the plum sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
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Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
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Add bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a one-pan meal with veggies.
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Spice it up by adding sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
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Swap plum jam for apricot or peach jam for a different fruity twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
