Saucy Plum Chicken Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for a dish that’s irresistibly juicy, lusciously sticky, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, Saucy Plum Chicken is about to become your new favorite dinner hero. The tangy depth of plum jam mingles with aromatic garlic, zingy ginger, and a kiss of umami from hoisin and soy sauce, cloaking tender chicken thighs in a glossy, restaurant-worthy sauce. This Asian-inspired main course is not only high in protein but also full of color, flavor, and weeknight ease. Trust me: once this hits your table, it’ll be requested again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Saucy Plum Chicken lies in its lineup of simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each one plays a crucial part in building the layers of taste and texture that make this dish pop, from the juicy chicken all the way to that glistening, tangy sauce.

• Chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds, boneless, skinless): Juicy and full of flavor, thighs stay tender as they soak up the sauce.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gets the chicken beautifully golden and the aromatics sizzling.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for lifting and balancing all the main flavors.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that pairs with the jammy sauce.
• Onion, finely diced (1 small): Brings sweetness and a savory backbone to the sauce.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): The aroma and pungency create an irresistible base.
• Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Adds a zingy brightness and a gentle heat.
• Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a gentle kick of spice.
• Plum jam or preserves (1 cup): The star ingredient infuses the sauce with sweet-tart, deep plum flavor.
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers that famous savory umami depth.
• Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brightens the sauce and helps balance sweetness.
• Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts the overall complexity with its irresistible sweet-salty funk.
• Chicken broth (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and helps the sauce come together silky-smooth.
• Cornstarch (2 teaspoons, mixed with 2 teaspoons water): Thickens the sauce till it’s perfectly glossy and clingy.
• Green onions, sliced (2): For a pop of fresh color and crunchy texture on top.
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (1 tablespoon): Nutty, toasty, and a beautiful finishing flourish.

How to Make Saucy Plum Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat those chicken thighs dry and sprinkle all over with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then slide in the chicken. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes—just enough to get that mouthwatering golden-brown crust—then transfer the chicken to a plate while you build your sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

To the same skillet (don’t clean it!), add the finely diced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes or until softened and fragrant, scraping up any delicious brown bits left by the chicken. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and that pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat, cooking for just one minute. The kitchen will start to smell amazing—this is your flavor base.

Step 3: Build the Plum Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and chicken broth. Whisk and stir everything together, letting it bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes. The sweetness of the jam is offset by the tangy vinegar and salty soy, creating a sauce that’s layered, glossy, and downright irresistible.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to make a silky slurry, then slowly stir it into your simmering sauce. As you gently stir, you’ll see the sauce become thick and luscious, clinging perfectly to the chicken that’s about to go back into the pan.

Step 5: Finish Simmering

Return the seared chicken (and all its tasty juices) to the skillet, turning to coat thoroughly in sauce. Let everything simmer together gently for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the chicken is cooked through and every piece is gloriously sticky. Right before serving, sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that final flourish.

How to Serve Saucy Plum Chicken

Garnishes

The finishing touches matter! Once your Saucy Plum Chicken is plated, shower it generously with crunchy green onions and toasty sesame seeds. Not only do they add color and texture, but they also bring extra flavor pops and make the dish look irresistibly fresh and inviting.

Side Dishes

Saucy Plum Chicken is made for soaking up all that sensational sauce, so serve it over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, nutty quinoa, or twirled with noodles. For extra color, add a quick side of steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas. The savory-sweet sauce takes every bite of your grains and greens to superstar status!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Saucy Plum Chicken family-style on a big platter, letting guests spoon their own (it’s a showstopper centerpiece). Or, for a party, slice the chicken and tuck it into lettuce wraps with extra sauce and a sprinkle of chili crisp for a fun, hands-on twist. It’s also delightful in a rice bowl piled high with pickled veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Saucy Plum Chicken, you’re in luck—it reheats beautifully! Cool the chicken completely, then transfer to an airtight container with plenty of sauce to keep things moist. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the chicken (ideally sliced for faster reheating) and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. The sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but it will come right back together when reheated. Frozen Saucy Plum Chicken keeps well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, warm Saucy Plum Chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water as needed. The microwave works, too—just use medium power to protect the sauce’s silky texture. Top with fresh green onions and sesame seeds if you like!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! While thighs offer extra juiciness and tend to stay more tender in Saucy Plum Chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just fine. Cut them into large chunks for faster, even cooking.

What if I don’t have plum jam?

No worries—apricot or peach jam is a fantastic substitute and still gives Saucy Plum Chicken its signature glossy sweetness and tangy balance. Opt for an unsweetened or low-sugar preserve if possible for best results.

How can I make it spicier?

For extra heat, simply increase the red pepper flakes or add a finely minced jalapeño to the onions step. A drizzle of sriracha or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce stirred in with the plum jam is great for spice lovers, too!

Is this recipe gluten free?

This dish can easily be made gluten free—just choose certified gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and check your hoisin sauce and chicken broth labels for hidden gluten-containing ingredients. The result is every bit as delicious.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Saucy Plum Chicken is a real crowd-pleaser and it scales up effortlessly. Use a large skillet or wide Dutch oven to keep the chicken in a single layer, and increase all the sauce ingredients proportionally. Don’t forget the extra garnish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something stunningly flavorful, weeknight-easy, and guaranteed to spark smiles, Saucy Plum Chicken deserves a spot in your rotation. The balance of tender chicken, glossy plum sauce, and fresh, crunchy finishes makes it unforgettable. Gather your ingredients and dive in—you’ll be hooked with the very first bite!

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