This Retro Plum Jam Chicken Is Sweet, Savory, and Surprisingly Delicious

This Retro Plum Jam Chicken Is Sweet, Savory, and Surprisingly Delicious

6 servings
This easy plum jam chicken recipe, with a sauce made from plum jam and soy sauce, is an updated take on a beloved recipe from the 1980s.

Ingredients

  • bone-in

    skin-on chicken thighs, 3 to 3 1/2 pounds

    8
  • plum jam

    you can also use apricot or peach jam

    1 c
  • low-sodium soy sauce
    ½ c
  • sambal oelek or 1 tablespoon Sriracha
    2 tbsp
  • garlic
    3 clove
  • fresh chopped ginger

    or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

    1 ½ tsp
  • green onions
    1 bunch

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

  2. 2

    Use kitchen shears to trim off any excess skin from the chicken thighs, then place them in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. It’s fine if they’re touching, but try to keep them in a single layer.

  3. 3

    In a small saucepan, stir together the jam, soy sauce, sambal or Sriracha, garlic, ginger, and green onions, setting aside a couple tablespoons of the green onions for garnish. Spoon half of the (uncooked) sauce mixture over the chicken thighs. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 45 minutes.

  4. 4

    While the chicken is baking, place the saucepan with the remaining sauce on the stove over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.

  5. 5

    Take the chicken thighs out of the oven. Turn the heat up to 425ºF. Spoon some of the juices in the baking dish over the chicken thighs, then return them to the oven and bake until well browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

  6. 6

    Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving dish. Spoon the thickened sauce from the saucepan over the chicken, sprinkle on the reserved green onions, and serve right away. Refrigerate leftovers, including all cooking juices, in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the chicken and leftover juices in a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, then bake at 350ºF until the chicken is warmed through (it should reach 165°F in the center), 30 to 40 minutes. To crisp up the skin, uncover the chicken and turn the heat up to 425ºF, then bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!

This Retro Plum Jam Chicken Is Sweet, Savory, and Surprisingly Delicious

This Retro Plum Jam Chicken Is Sweet, Savory, and Surprisingly Delicious

70 min6 servings581 cal

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About this Recipe

Indulge in Nostalgia with Our Retro Plum Jam Chicken

Get ready to rediscover a true classic with our Retro Plum Jam Chicken! This delightful recipe takes a beloved concept from the 1980s and brings it into the modern kitchen, proving that some flavor combinations are truly timeless. If you're searching for an easy weeknight dinner that's packed with an irresistible sweet and savory punch, this plum jam chicken is your new go-to.

What makes this particular plum jam chicken recipe so special? It's all about that incredible glaze! We combine the fruity sweetness of plum jam with the deep umami of soy sauce, a hint of spicy sambal oelek (or Sriracha), and aromatic garlic and ginger. This creates a sticky, luscious sauce that caramelizes beautifully around tender, juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The result is a surprisingly sophisticated flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting, making it a standout among sweet and savory chicken dishes.

Tips for the Perfect Plum Jam Chicken

  • Jam Substitutions: Don't have plum jam on hand? No problem! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use apricot or peach jam for a slightly different, but equally delicious, fruity twist.
  • Adjust the Heat: The sambal oelek adds a lovely kick. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount, or omit it entirely. For extra heat, add a little more!
  • Serving Suggestions: This easy plum jam chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce, or opt for steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal. It also makes fantastic leftovers for lunch!

This updated classic is proof that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that bring back fond memories while creating new ones. Enjoy the simplicity and sensational flavors of this truly delicious Plum Jam Chicken!

Frequently Asked Questions