Name: Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups ripe plums, pitted and chopped; 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Chopped fresh parsley or green onion for garnish

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Say hello to your new favorite skillet dinner: Saucy Plum Chicken! This dish brings together juicy chicken, luscious ripe plums, and a tangy, sweet sauce that’s nothing short of enchanting. Every bite features a perfect marriage of savory and fruity notes, making it ideal for weeknights that need a little extra sparkle or impressing guests at your table. If you’ve been looking for a fresh way to enjoy summer’s plum bounty, this recipe is just what you need.

Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Saucy Plum Chicken is how attainable the ingredients are—no scavenger hunts required! Each component plays a key part, adding flavor, texture, or that burst of vibrant color we all crave in a gorgeous chicken dinner.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Choose thighs for juicy tenderness or breasts for a lighter bite; both soak up the plum sauce beautifully.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t skip the seasoning! Simple salt and pepper ensure every bite is deeply flavorful.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the chicken crisp up and adds a hint of fruity richness right from the start.
Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Gives a round, velvety touch to the sear and the sauce.
Small red onion, thinly sliced: Red onion adds sweetness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Just a couple cloves wake up the whole pan with aromatic depth.
Ripe plums, pitted and chopped (2 cups): The show-stopper ingredient brings tart, juicy sweetness you just can’t replicate with anything else.
Low-sodium chicken broth (1/4 cup): Adds a savory backbone and helps the sauce come together without overpowering the plums.
Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Cuts through the sweetness and ties all the flavors together with gentle acidity.
Honey (2 tablespoons): A little honey enhances the plums and balances out the tang.
Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Lends gentle warmth and a hint of spice—totally irresistible with fruit.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a playful touch of heat if you’re in the mood.
Chopped fresh parsley or green onion for garnish: Adds a fresh finish and a splash of brightness at the end.

How to Make Saucy Plum Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, warm up the olive oil and butter together—this combo helps the chicken brown beautifully while developing a luscious base for the sauce. Add the chicken and sear each side for 4–5 minutes, until it’s thoroughly golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm—you’ll welcome it back soon!

Step 2: Build Flavor with Onion and Garlic

Without cleaning the skillet, toss in the thinly sliced red onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, allowing the onion to soften and pick up those tasty browned bits left from the chicken. When the kitchen smells irresistible, add the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds more, stirring so it doesn’t burn. This layer forms the backbone of your Saucy Plum Chicken sauce!

Step 3: Make the Saucy Plum Base

Now for the star moment—add in the chopped ripe plums, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, ground ginger, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plums begin to break down and the sauce thickens slightly. The sauce will turn a gorgeous magenta as the plums melt into tangy, sweet goodness.

Step 4: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking

Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning plenty of that luscious plum sauce over the top. Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and completely cloaked in the sauce. Your kitchen will smell downright inviting!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onion just before serving. The vibrant green makes the colors pop and adds a hint of herbal freshness that pulls all the flavors together. Get ready to plate up a restaurant-worthy meal right at home!

How to Serve Saucy Plum Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkling of chopped parsley or green onions is the classic finishing flair for Saucy Plum Chicken, but don’t be afraid to get creative! A little lemon zest or even toasted sesame seeds can add new personality to the dish. Bright garnishes let the deep hues and luscious sauce really shine.

Side Dishes

This chicken and its sweet-tangy sauce were made for piling high over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a tender bed of couscous. The sauce begs for something absorbent to soak up every last drop! A simple green salad or roasted veggie medley rounds out the meal with welcome crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by slicing the chicken and fanning it over the starch of your choice, then drizzling the ruby plum sauce artfully across the top. Stack individual servings in shallow bowls or serve family-style in a large platter for that extra wow factor. For a more casual vibe, try stuffing the chicken and sauce in warm flatbreads for a delectable wrap experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), pop Saucy Plum Chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s dinner might be even tastier than round one.

Freezing

Saucy Plum Chicken freezes like a dream. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and store for up to 2 months—ideal for busy weeks or prepping ahead for a special meal.

Reheating

To reheat, allow frozen chicken to thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently warm everything in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also microwave single servings, though the stovetop method keeps the chicken extra juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work great for Saucy Plum Chicken. Thighs offer a little more richness and tenderness, but breasts are leaner and just as delicious, especially when simmered in the plum sauce.

What if plums aren’t in season?

No plums, no problem. Apricots or peaches make fantastic substitutes for a new twist on the same dish. You can even use thawed frozen plums if you’ve stashed some away or opt for cherries for a different fruity flair.

Is Saucy Plum Chicken spicy?

Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are entirely optional. Add a little or a lot depending on your taste, or leave them out altogether for a purely sweet and tangy profile.

What’s the best way to cut plums for this recipe?

Simply halve the plums, remove the pits, and chop them into small bite-sized pieces. There’s no need to peel—plum skins add extra color and flavor as they cook down into the sauce.

Can I double Saucy Plum Chicken for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a large enough skillet or split the recipe between two pans. Keep an eye on the sauce and add a splash more broth if needed to ensure everyone gets plenty of that sumptuous plum glaze.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal that strays from the ordinary, Saucy Plum Chicken will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but stunning enough for guests. Give it a try and enjoy every saucy, sweet-savory bite!

Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Saucy Plum Chicken is a delightful fusion dish that combines the sweetness of ripe plums with savory chicken, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. The succulent chicken is cooked to perfection and smothered in a luscious plum sauce that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Sauce:

1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups ripe plums, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley or green onion for garnish

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the sliced red onion and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and cook briefly. Stir in plums, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onion and serve hot.