Monday, February 17, 2025 · 111 Comments

Saucy Plum Chicken

Name: Saucy Plum Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1-1/4 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken thighs; 1/2 tsp. Chinese five spice powder; 1/2 tsp. table salt; 1 tbsp. olive oil; 4 green onions (tops and bottoms), sliced (more for garnish); 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup plum jam; 2 tbsps. balsamic vinegar

Jump to Recipe

This saucy plum chicken is a little sweet, a little tangy, and packed with bold flavor. Juicy chicken thighs get coated in a glossy plum sauce with a hint of spice, perfect for serving over rice or veggies.

Saucy Plum Chicken – Ready in 20 Minutes

When my kids were little, this saucy plum chicken was one of their favorite meals. The combination of sweet and savory just works, and the glossy plum sauce clings to the chicken in the best way. It’s one of those dinners that feels a little different from the usual but is still easy enough for any night of the week.

The sauce comes together with plum jam, a little balsamic vinegar, and chicken broth, thickening up into a rich glaze. The chicken gets a quick sear before simmering in the sauce, picking up all that flavor. I like to serve it with rice and broccoli to round it out, but it works with plenty of sides.

It’s a simple skillet meal that doesn’t take long to make, which is always a plus. The five-spice adds just a little warmth without being overwhelming, making it a great option for the whole family. Whether you need a quick dinner or just want to try something different, this one’s a solid choice.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s fast. The whole thing comes together in about 20 minutes, which is exactly what we all need on a busy night.
The sauce is the best part. Sweet, tangy, and just thick enough to coat the chicken without being too heavy.
It’s family-friendly. My kids loved this when they were little, and it’s one of those meals that works for all ages.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this saucy plum chicken and how each ingredient plays a role:

Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) – Stay juicy and soak up all the flavor from the sauce.
Chinese five-spice powder – Adds a warm, slightly sweet depth to the chicken.
Salt – Brings out the flavors in the seasoning and sauce.
Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to a nice golden brown.
Green onions – Cooked in the pan drippings for extra flavor and added freshness at the end.
Chicken broth – Forms the base of the sauce and keeps it from getting too thick.
Plum jam – Brings the sweet, fruity flavor that balances the savory elements.
Balsamic vinegar – Adds tang and a little richness to the sauce.

How to Make Saucy Plum Chicken

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step One – Season the Chicken
Toss the chicken thighs with Chinese five-spice powder and salt in a bowl. Give them a good mix so they’re evenly coated.
Step Two – Sear the Chicken
Heat some olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken thighs and let them cook for about 5 minutes per side, until they’re nicely browned and the juices run clear. Transfer them to a plate and cover to keep them warm.
Step Three – Cook the Green Onions
In the same skillet (with all those flavorful drippings), add the chopped green onions and cook over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they get a little browned.
Step Four – Make the Sauce
Stir in the chicken broth, plum jam, and balsamic vinegar. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 4 minutes, until the sauce thickens up and gets syrupy.
Step Five – Coat the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs back to the skillet and turn them in the sauce until they’re fully coated. Let them warm through for a minute, then sprinkle on some extra green onions before serving.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to make this saucy plum chicken even more special:

Stick with boneless, skinless thighs. They stay juicy and cook evenly in the skillet.
Let the sauce simmer until syrupy. It should coat the back of a spoon before adding the chicken back in.
Adjust the sweetness. If you want a little less sweetness, add a splash more balsamic vinegar to balance it out.
Serve it with something to soak up the sauce. Rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes work well.
Garnish with extra green onions. It adds a little freshness to balance the rich sauce.

Storage and Freezer

If you’ve got leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them so they’re just as good the next time around:

Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stove – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Microwave option – Heat in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep the chicken from drying out.
Freeze for later – Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since they take a lot longer to cook through.
What can I use instead of plum jam? Cherry preserves work well if you don’t have plum jam on hand.
Is Chinese five-spice necessary? It adds great depth, but if you don’t have it, a mix of cinnamon and a little star anise or cloves can work in a pinch.
Can I make this with chicken breasts? Yes, but they dry out more easily, so keep an eye on them. They also have a lot less flavor.
What should I serve with it? Rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables all pair well with the sweet and savory sauce. I personally love steamed broccoli with this dish.

MORE CHICKEN THIGH RECIPES

If you love cooking with chicken thighs, here are more easy and flavorful recipes to try next.

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Print Recipe

5 from 33 votes

Saucy Plum Chicken

Saucy Plum Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy plum sauce. Seasoned with Chinese five-spice and seared until golden, the chicken is then simmered in a rich glaze made with plum jam, balsamic vinegar, and chicken broth. Finished with fresh green onions, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal with rice or veggies. Ready in just 20 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Saucy Plum Chicken

Servings: servings

Calories: 309kcal

Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements.
mixing bowls For combining ingredients.
nonstick skillet For cooking the chicken and reducing the sauce.

Ingredients

1-1/4 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/2 tsp. Chinese five spice powder
1/2 tsp. table salt
1 tbsp. olive oil
4 green onions (tops and bottoms), sliced more for garnish
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup plum jam
2 tbsps. balsamic vinegar

Instructions

In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with Chinese five-spice powder and salt.
1-1/4 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken thighs, 1/2 tsp. Chinese five spice powder, 1/2 tsp. table salt
Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on each side, until browned and the juices run clear. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
1 tbsp. olive oil
In the same skillet, cook the chopped green onions in the drippings over medium heat until browned, about 3–4 minutes.
4 green onions (tops and bottoms), sliced
Stir in the chicken broth, plum jam, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 4 minutes.
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup plum jam, 2 tbsps. balsamic vinegar
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Garnish with extra green onion.

Video

Notes

For optimal outcomes when making this saucy plum chicken, I recommend referring to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.

The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.

© noblepig.com. All content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing this recipe is encouraged and appreciated, but copying and/or pasting the full recipe to social media or other platforms is strictly prohibited.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Saucy Plum Chicken

Amount Per Serving (236 g)

Calories 309 Calories from Fat 113

% Daily Value*

Fat 12.5g19%

Saturated Fat 2.1g13%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2.3g

Monounsaturated Fat 6.3g

Cholesterol 114mg38%

Sodium 520mg23%

Potassium 397mg11%

Carbohydrates 28.4g9%

Fiber 0.2g1%

Sugar 26g29%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin A 34IU1%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 20mg2%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.

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Comments

5 from 33 votes