The dish my kids beg me to make again and again, this 15-Minute Tangy-Sweet Plum-Spiced Chicken has been a family favorite for years. It’s the perfect meal to make when you are short on time in the kitchen.
I call this the 1-2-3 dinner because just like that, snap, and it’s ready.
On the way home yesterday, after spending the afternoon at a museum with my boys, my eight-year old begged me to make this for dinner. It’s one of his favorite meals and he knows he doesn’t have to wait long for me to whip this up.
“Mom, please make the 1-2-3 chicken tonight, it’s soooo good. I really, really want it and it’s so yummy, you could even put it on Noble Pig.” What a smart boy.
So here it is, dinner in a flash, ready so fast there’s even time to take pictures!
I’ve made it so many times, I have it memorized. I also don’t remember if this dish had a name, so let’s call it Tangy-Sweet Plum-Spiced Chicken, a shout out to the plum jam and Chinese five-spice powder used in this recipe.
So come on, your family is waiting, let’s make dinner.
Here’s what you’ll need: Skinless, boneless chicken thighs, Chinese five-spice powder, green onions, extra-virgin olive oil, chicken broth, plum jam and balsamic vinegar. Ingredients not shown: Salt.
A scary but necessary photo. In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs together with 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
In a nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil until hot. Add chicken thighs and cook 5 minutes on each side, until browned and juices run clear. Transfer thighs to a plate; cover to keep warm.
In drippings in skillet, on medium heat, cook chopped green onions until browned, about three to four minutes.
Stir in 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup plum jam and 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium and reduce down, about four minutes, until sauce is syrupy.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Done.
See the syrupy coating? It should be illegal.
Have a nice dinner.
15-Minute Tangy-Sweet Plum-Spiced Chicken
Ingredients
Directions
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HoneyB says
This looks delicious! Is that candy corn real???
KathyB. says
Your son requests the same kind of food I always requested from my parents for my birthday, and still request from my husband for my birthday and any special celebrations !
I WILL be making this meal this very week. Thank-you, and thank your clever son too !
mikky says
what a great recipe… will surely try this soon… thanks for sharing… đŸ™‚
Philly says
This chicken looks great. Could I use breasts instead?
#1
clumbsycookie says
I’m all up for 1-2-3 meals. The plum jam must be wonderful in it! The glass candy corn are so cute, like jewerly!
Lisa@The Cutting Edge of Ordinary says
This recipe is now saved in my “gonna make it” folder!
Laura says
I am so glad you did this. I have tons of chicken in my freezer and no more fresh ideas.
Excellent.
Deeba says
This looks like a race I’m winning Cathy…& I’m loving the ease of it! You’ve got a smart & charming lad. Knows how to get what makes his tummy happy, keep the mummy happy…& keep the blog happy (& we haven’t reached the blog readers as yet…LOL). Great pictures & flavours; plum jam’s on my list! Great glass candy…woohoo…empty calories!!
Jamee says
I love the glass candy corn!
That dinner looks delicious! I definitely need to try it!
Barbie with a T says
You are so lucky your boys like such a quick, easy and healthy dish to prepare. Most kids their age only eat pizza and hamburgers, fries, etc. Do they also eat candy corn? That is my favorite Halloween candy, but most kids like the chocolate bars better. (I am allergic to chocolate). Maybe that is why candy corn is my favorite, I don’t know. Also, I think tradition has something to do with it. Thanks for the recipe…right down my alley!
Jenni in KS says
It looks like I will be making this next week since dh just walked by and commented on how good it looks. “Except for all those funny green onion things.” Alrighty then, the green onions are out. I’ve got to make that potato recipe sometime soon too since I finally remembered to look for smoked paprika at Super Target. ST has all sorts of spices Wally World and Dillon’s do not have, including the garam masala that I was really after when I thought to look for smoked paprika. They’ve got a cocoa chile blend that is very nice to add a dash of to my cocoa coffee (coffee + 1/2 to 1 packet Swiss Miss + cream and now cocoa chile stuff, mmmmm).
Loving Annie says
Good Thursday morning to you, Cathy.
That looks incredibly good – it’s going to be one of my most favored favorites !
I have the same question Philly did about using breasts instead – I just assume it will take longer cooking time…
Jennifer says
Another great and quick dinner to try! I love it…
And I love the glass candy corn. It looks so real in the picture! I’d put it out just to fool people that came over…
Katie says
That looks awesome Cathy! I can never find the broccoli rabe around here, it looks like something I would love.
Catherine says
Mmmmm, Cathy that looks wonderful! I will definitely have to give that a try. Thanks!
Kraysian says
mmmm that looks delicious. I think I’ll make that for dinner tonight.. thanks for sharing
you’ve done it again!!
Darius T. Williams says
i can see why this was the choice for dinner! It looks great – and I bet that sauce was to die for, or kill, which is why it should be illegal – lol!
-DTW
http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com
sharon says
I love that your son requested such a fancy dish! If you hadn’t named it 1-2-3 chicken I definitely would have thought it was labor intensive.
Becky says
Although that does look delicious to me, I’m not sure my family would eat it. They are finicky. Darnit!
Love the glass candy corn! You have such neat Halloween stuff! I wonder if it’s a West coast thing? I haven’t seen some of it here on the East coast. Maybe I should come visit next Halloween.
Jennifer says
I was at the store yesterday–but I think I’ll have to go back for some plum jam–I am definitely making this one!!
Those candy corn lokk so vivid–love it!!
Harmony says
Wow…that does look easy, I know the family would like this dish. Thanks again for another great idea.
Rachel (S[d]OC) says
That’s a great chicken recipe. You have a lucky family.
I couldn’t have candy corns like that around. My husand love the real kind so much I’m afraid he’s try to eat these.
Asthmagirl says
Your little guy was right… It does look awesome!
Choosy Beggar Tina says
Mmm…Chinese 5 spice is one of my favorites, and I often get home from work pretty late so anything that can be cooked up in a heartbeat gets my vote. That looks awesome!!
Bellini Valli says
Quick, easy and tasty is perfect for those weekdays!!
Cathy says
You could, but it won’t taste as juicy unless you pound the breasts flat.
Deborah says
I love easy recipes like this one. And it sounds delicious – bookmarked!!
Marjie says
So, multiply everything by 4 and use the whole jar of jam to feed my horde…this is really pretty and sounds great! I love fast & easy foods, although I always make mine in the bottom of the broiler pan, because there’s no skillet big enough to hold food sufficient for my household. And I really prefer chicken thighs to breast, because they’re moister and more flavorful.
And your glass candy corns are cute!
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says
Except for plum jam, I always have all of these ingredients (including the chicken) in my pantry. I do keep Chinese plum sauce though, and I think that would make a good substitute.
Misty says
SWEET MAMA that looks wonderful Cathy!
curlywurlygurly says
yum, the chicken looks good (sans scallions)! but WHERE did you get the glass candy corns?!?!?!?!?!
Teri says
I was going to ask the same thing about chicken breast. My daughter and husband do love the thigh because it is more flavorful, but I do like the the chicken breast. Maybe if it’s mixed all together after the chicken breast is flattened???
It looks so delicious and the pictures are glossy and gorgeous! Cute candy dish! I still didn’t make it to Pottery Barn yet, maybe today!
Pam says
This looks amazing. I love the flavor combination. Your son has good taste in food.
Aubrey says
Mmmmm…my mouth is watering! I think I should just make my grocery list according to the recipes you post! LOL
I love the candy corn & dish! So cute.
Glamorous Life of a Housewife says
I LOVE those glass candy corns! So cute. Where did you find them?!
The chicken looks scrumptious! How cute that your son said you could put it on Noble Pig. HA!
Louise says
When reading the ingredients, I so cracked up at the spare amount of chinese 5 spice powder. I tend to be one of those “if a little is good, a lot is better” types of cooks. One time, and one time only, I took that approach with the Chinese 5 spice powder. Obviously you got that message, too. This looks scruptous!
ELRA says
That look so delicious and silky Cathy, plum jam and Chinese spice five sound like a perfect combo.
Leslie says
Dinner looks Delish Cathy!
I ust so happen to have some 5 spice Powder that I have never used, so I guess now is the time!
annbb says
That looks like some serious yum!
vanessa says
Those glass candy corns are brilliant.
And I think my next spice purchase will have to be the Chinese Five Spice. I feel incomplete.
maybelles mom (feeding maybelle) says
I love the idea of adding jam to a sauce. But really, my most favorite are those candy corns. I think the day after halloween you should show us how you store all your paraphanalia. I can’t imagine how you keep it so organized.
Carol says
Oooo-this chicken looks SO good Cathy! This is a must-try soon for sure….now to see if I have any chicken thighs in the freezer…………
Patricia Scarpin says
I love it that you used chicken thighs – they are much more delicious than breasts!
kimberleyblue says
That’s a really simple and delicious sounding dish! I rarely cook with chicken, but mostly just because it usually strikes me as boring – but I don’t think it would be in here!
Mental P Mama says
If I weren’t lounging at the Delano, I’d so be there.;)
imbeingheldhostage says
ok, that’s it, that’s the winner. My favourite Halloween decoration to date– glass candy corn. Wow.
And that dish looks dee-lish!
Blond Duck says
I’ll take one serving of the chicken, one ghost dish and a million candy corn! Thanks!
Tipper says
I could 1-2-3 eat that!! Looks good.
dawn says
Mmm. I am totally loving this. Smart kids you got there!
Bunny says
I’m grocery shopping tomorrow after work and I’m getting everything to make this!! Fantastic recipe Cathy!!
Daziano says
Extraordinary practical-and-quick recipe!!! Thanks for sharing!
Dr. John says
This looks like the perfect recipe for the next time my daughter in law comes to eat. She just loves chicken.
Mrs. L says
Glass candy corn? Who knew! And just so you know, that first photo is enough to make me want to dive in and eat it through the computer.
maggie, dammit says
Glass candy corn? I had no idea! It’s soooo beautiful! (Am I weird for thinking so? Don’t answer that.)
Kevin says
That chicken looks really good. Nice vibrant greens in the photos! I like the plumb and Chiniese five spice combo.
ALF says
Ok, so that looks delicious. I am officially starving now that I’ve read 3 posts about delicious food.
And those candy corns scare me. They’re too perfect. And candy corns are for eating!
Rachel says
Yum Cathy! Can you say Delish? Because I can. This sounds right up my alley!!
Shirley says
Can’t wait to try that recipe, but won’t be getting the candy corn … there would definitely be some accidents in our house if I did!
Erin says
Yummy! Looks like a great new recipe to try out. I’m always up for new things to serve for dinner. đŸ™‚
chanelireli says
How many times has someone put those candy corns in their mouths đŸ™‚
Jude says
Looks so good… Interesting mise. Never tried plum jam in cooking.
gorillabuns says
Will you please move in with me and be my personal chef?
Tammy says
I am gonna have to try this recipe, it looks deliscious!!
But, five spice powder has always scared me….once a girl in my office made chili with it in there and it was the worst taste and I have been afraid ever since….But I think I’m gonna have to try it again…
Kate says
Damn, Cathy. That dinner looks good. I have to find this Chinese 5 Spice stuff. Never heard of it!
grace says
not fair–i’m sure i’d break my teeth on your faux candy corn in hopes that it was the real thing. đŸ™‚
great recipe–my favorite treat as a kid was chicken mcnuggets with sweet and sour sauce. my, how i’ve grown. đŸ™‚
RobinSue says
This looks delicious and so juicy. Yum will bookmark this one for sure!
Alisa says
I can not wait to try this chicken.
I really, really, really want those candy corns. Love them!
Love a boy who knows how to get what he wants from his blogging mommy.
Dee says
Ooh, this looks great! Do you think plum sauce (the kind you eat with duck) would work with this?
Cathy says
I’m really not sure. It might be a little too concentrated but you could try it.
ntsc says
Got to get you making your own stock, so much better and better for you than the packaged stuff.
And if you can get local plums, jams are easy.
Susan at Sticky,Gooey,Creamy,Chewy says
This looks fantastic! I make a pork chop dish that is very similar, but it doesn’t have that sticky, gooey syrup! Will definitely try this one.
Egghead says
Oh good! Another easy one that looks great. Love those glass candy corns.
pam says
I know I say this all the time, but I am really, really making this. It’s perfect!
spynster57 says
All of it looks good,vineyard land included! I would love to pick up sticks but this is the first year in a long time I’m not driving to Oregon for Thanksgiving. If the plans change, I’ll let you know! Just kidding. sort of…..
Suzette says
I’m loving your Halloween-a-Day pix. When I lived in Maryland, I just loved all things Fall. It’s so…Fall-y there. I really got into Halloween and now have way too much Halloweeny stuff. Here in Tennessee, fall comes late, and I don’t really get into the spirit so much. But, you’re stirring my juices. Maybe I’ll get up in the attic after all. Those spider web lamps are calling my name.
Amy says
GREAT view… and yes… I covet those glass candy corns!
April says
Made this last night and it was delicious. It was a little sweeter than I expected though — do you have any suggestions on what I might add to balance the flavor a little? I also added snow peas right before I added the chicken back into the sauce and it was very tasty! Served it over rice … thanks!
Mom24@4evermom says
We had this tonight…delicious! I can’t wait to make it with pork or shrimp…apricot and rice vinegar. Great recipe. Thank you.
Francesca says
I love this recipe so much and would love to cook it for my parents one night, but as I’m from the UK I’m slightly confused about the 1/2 measures. Do you now how many tablespoons it would be instead?
April in CT says
We just finished this for dinner and I all but licked my plate it was so good. My Mr. Picky Pants of a hubby raved about it! I made it with chicken breasts I pounded flat and next time I’ll cut them into strips so they cook faster. Can’t wait to try it with shrimp! Thanks Cathy. đŸ™‚
Michelle says
*drool*
*pant*
*lick screen*
Hmpf, that didn’t work.
đŸ˜›
Kirsten says
yumm! i made this for dinner last night and it turned out great! and you’re right, it definitely is quick. great for those days when you’re running very short on time đŸ™‚
thanks so much!
MemeGRL says
I am a slow, slow cook but this was awesome. One of the few things my whole family would eat (even if the vinegar made my one ask if I was cooking skunk! he got over it and had 2nds). Thank you so much!
Mom24 says
I make this all the time. It’s absolutely wonderful. Thanks for the recipe.
Garden Landscape Designer says
Wow, that looks absolutely delicious! Great post, you did such a nice job presenting the pictures too…I am definitely going to have to try that recipe this weekend!
Mika says
At this exact moment, I am eating chicken and looking at this blog thinking….. this dish looks amazing and easy to make! My next things on my grocery list: chinese 5spice, plum jam and balsamic vinegar!!
marye says
how did I miss this? YUM!
emily says
We make this all the time and LOVE it. My local grocery is always out of plum jam so I use plum sauce from the Asian section and it works fine. I also add a bag of shredded broccoli and carrots when I stir fry the green onions so we can eat the whole thing over rice or noodles. Definately a family favorite!
Christina says
I stumbled upon this website recently by recommendation of a friend, saw this recipe and headed straight to the grocery store after work. My boyfriend vehemently opposed any adding of jams to meat until he tried the finished dish. He couldn’t stop eating long enough to complain anymore. We both LOVED this dish and it’s going into permanent rotation at our house! You rock!
hampers says
Love the dice candy. Not only it looks yummy, it also is a toy in the eyes of kids and the young-at-heart.
club penguin cheats says
I really got into Halloween and now have way too much Halloweeny stuff. Here in Tennessee, fall comes late, and I don’t really get into the spirit so much. But, you’re stirring my juices. Maybe I’ll get up in the attic after all. Those spider web lamps are calling my name.
Azithromycin Manufacturer says
All photos look so yummy, in time for valentine’s season. Are they healthy to eat for a person suffering and in treatment for mild pneumonia? đŸ™‚
Brandi says
I tried this recipe tonight but substituted the plum with mango jam (i could not find plum jam to save my life!). It turned out so wonderfully! Thank you so much!
ejk says
Thank you SO much for all your amazing recipes. I love how your son tweaks his request for this divine (simple) chicken recipe with encouraging you to post here!! Smart child! –Thank him for me!!
Will be making as soon as I can!!
elizabeth
Jenny says
I made this recipe over a year ago and loved it. Unfortunately I had lost my bookmarks in a crash and thought it was gone forever. I am so glad my husband emailed it to me (credit to him for finding your site), in searching my email I found it just in time to make it tonight for dinner. Thank you so much for this recipe and your passion!
Jenny
Mom24_4evermom says
Just wanted to check in and say I’m making this again tonight, it’s definitely on regular rotation around here, we love it. Thank you so much for a wonderful recipe.
lillian mittner says
Jenny
can I substitute chicken breast
LIl
Cathy says
You can but chicken breast can be very dry and has less flavor so your outcome will be different.
Heather Hicks says
I was given a jar of homemade plum jam and went looking for a recipe to use it in! What a delight! By accident I didn’t cook the chicken ahead of time, so just put it in the sauce- very tender and flavourful. I used an equivalent amount of breast meat cut fairly large ( sized similar to what the boneless thighs would be). Yummy:)
Julia Sparks says
Made this for my family this evening and they loved it! My two kids (elementary and high school aged) and husband are a bit picky and they asked that I make it again! Great looking dish and tasty too. Your website is 3 for 3 for me…the three recipes I’ve made from your site have all been hits.
Cathy says
So glad to hear it! Thanks for letting me know.
sara CK says
Yum! Made this today with what I had on hand–blackberry fruit spread. Also, I didn’t have the spice, so I just used cinnamon, cloves, red pepper flakes and anise extract. Still super easy and excellent!
Cathy says
Wow, that’s like a whole different recipe. Glad you liked it.
Scott says
I made this and it was so good and easy, but we had leftovers (only two of us and we probably could’ve eaten the whole batch!) so the next night I reheated the chicken and made tacos. I just lightly fried corn tortillas and topped the chicken with a cabbage slaw dressed with rice wine vinegar and soy sauce. They were awesome! I’m definitely making extra whenever I make your delicious 1-2-3 chicken. Thank you!
Wesley says
Eight thumbs up. This may very well go into regular rotation.
sharon laver says
Wow, thank you so much for this. All three boys and my husband were completely silent as they happy ate and savoured their dinner. It was quick and easy. I did mine with chicken breast and served with vegetable noodles. I think Duck would also be very good with this sauce. I will now forever have these ingredients in my cupboard. A*
Cathy says
So glad you enjoyed it.
Becka says
Found your website after a desperate google search for “What should I make for supper?” and picked this recipe out of the 80 you had listed. Oh WOW so glad I did! Delicious and simple and the family gave it rave reviews! (even the pickier kid who said “Oh man, we just had chicken LAST WEEK” when I told him what I was making lol) Everyone had seconds and it was all we could do not to lick our plates clean. Thank you for this!!
Cathy says
Awesome!