Succulent Chicken with Plum Glaze: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Chicken with plum glaze is a delightful dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. The tender chicken, coated in a rich and tangy plum sauce, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Let’s dive into the details and explore how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Combination:** The combination of savory chicken and sweet-tart plum glaze creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The plum sauce adds a fruity depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and readily available ingredients. The steps are straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice cooks.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the glaze to your liking by adjusting the sweetness and spiciness. Feel free to add other ingredients, such as ginger, garlic, or chili flakes, to enhance the flavor.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The glossy plum glaze gives the chicken a beautiful and appetizing appearance, making it perfect for entertaining guests.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* Alternatively, you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken cut into pieces. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
* **Plum Glaze:**
* 1 cup plum jam or preserves (choose a good quality jam for the best flavor)
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
* 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
* **For Marinade (Optional):**
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry sherry)
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* **Garnish (Optional):**
* Sesame seeds
* Chopped green onions

## Equipment

* Large bowl (for marinating, if using)
* Small saucepan
* Whisk
* Baking dish or skillet
* Oven or stovetop
* Meat thermometer (recommended)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional)

This step enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating process and proceed directly to cooking.

1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This mixture forms the marinade.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Make sure each piece of chicken is well covered with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become.

### 2. Prepare the Plum Glaze

The plum glaze is the heart of this recipe. It’s easy to make and adds a burst of flavor to the chicken.

1. In a small saucepan, combine the plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir constantly to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the glaze aside.

### 3. Cook the Chicken

There are two primary methods for cooking the chicken: baking and pan-frying. Both methods produce delicious results, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and equipment.

**Option 1: Baking**

Baking is a hands-off method that allows the chicken to cook evenly and retain its moisture.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the dish.
3. If you marinated the chicken, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the chicken brown better.
4. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly apart.
5. Brush a generous amount of the plum glaze over each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated. Reserve some of the glaze for later.
6. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken.
7. During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the chicken with the remaining plum glaze. This will give it a beautiful glossy finish.
8. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

**Option 2: Pan-Frying**

Pan-frying is a quicker method that allows you to develop a nice sear on the chicken.

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the chicken breasts without overcrowding them.
2. If you marinated the chicken, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet, spacing them evenly apart. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning properly.
4. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and slightly crispy. The goal is to develop a good crust on the outside.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the plum glaze over the chicken. Make sure each piece of chicken is coated with the glaze.
6. Cover the skillet and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
7. During the last few minutes of cooking, uncover the skillet and allow the glaze to thicken and caramelize slightly. Be careful not to burn the glaze.
8. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

### 4. Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the baking dish or skillet over the chicken.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These add a touch of color and flavor.
4. Serve the chicken hot and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Plum Jam:** The flavor of the plum jam will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish. Choose a good quality jam with a rich, fruity flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Adjust the Glaze to Your Liking:** Feel free to customize the glaze by adding more or less honey, soy sauce, or red pepper flakes. Taste the glaze as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When pan-frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning properly. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken with plum glaze is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Rice:** Steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all excellent choices.
* **Noodles:** Asian-style noodles, such as soba noodles or udon noodles, complement the dish beautifully.
* **Vegetables:** Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, provide a healthy and flavorful side.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing element to the meal.
* **Quinoa:** This protein-packed grain is a healthy and delicious alternative to rice or noodles.

## Variations

* **Spicy Plum Chicken:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to the glaze for a spicier kick.
* **Honey Garlic Plum Chicken:** Add a tablespoon of minced garlic and a tablespoon of honey to the glaze for a sweeter and more aromatic flavor.
* **Plum Glazed Chicken Thighs:** Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer and more flavorful dish. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
* **Grilled Plum Chicken:** Grill the chicken over medium heat and brush with the plum glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
* **Plum Glazed Chicken Wings:** Toss cooked chicken wings in the plum glaze for a delicious appetizer or party snack.

## Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** The plum glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Storage:** Cooked chicken with plum glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 25-30g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

## Conclusion

Chicken with plum glaze is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress. The combination of savory chicken and sweet-tart plum sauce is a flavor sensation that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe is a perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a truly memorable culinary experience!

## Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes (plus marinating time, if using)
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 1 cup plum jam or preserves
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
* 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
* For Marinade (Optional):
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry sherry)
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* Garnish (Optional):
* Sesame seeds
* Chopped green onions

**Instructions:**

1. **Marinate the Chicken (Optional):** In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and sesame oil. Add chicken, toss to coat, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
2. **Prepare the Plum Glaze:** In a small saucepan, combine plum jam, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
3. **Cook the Chicken:**
* **Baking:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken in a greased baking dish and brush with plum glaze. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush with remaining glaze during the last 5 minutes.
* **Pan-Frying:** Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side. Reduce heat, pour in plum glaze, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. **Serve and Garnish:** Transfer chicken to a serving platter, drizzle with remaining glaze, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Serve hot.

**Notes:**

* Use high-quality plum jam for the best flavor.
* Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* Adjust the glaze to your liking by adding more or less honey, soy sauce, or red pepper flakes.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken with Plum Glaze!