Chicken With Plum Sauce

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Juicy chicken quarters glazed with a flavorful plum sauce, combining sweet, tangy, and savory notes, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 chickens, quartered
  • 1/2 tsp onion salt
  • 1 medium chopped onion
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 6 oz frozen lemonade concentrate
  • 2/3 cup Heinz chili sauce
  • 10-12 oz jar plum preserves
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp prepared mustard
  • 1 tsp ginger

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken quarters with onion salt.
  2. Brown the chicken under the broiler for 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
  4. Add the lemonade concentrate, chili sauce, plum preserves, soy sauce, mustard, and ginger to the saucepan.
  5. Simmer the sauce until heated through and slightly thickened.
  6. Serve the chicken with the plum sauce poured over or on the side.

Tips & Substitutions

When broiling the chicken, keep a close eye to prevent burning, as broiler temperatures can vary. If you don’t have onion salt, use regular salt and a dash of garlic powder for flavor. For a twist, consider using apricot preserves instead of plum. This dish could also be made with boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken With Plum Sauce pairs beautifully with Oriental Garden Rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added crunch. For a more casual affair, try it alongside some crispy egg rolls or spring rolls to complement the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. The sauce can be reheated separately for best results.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken With Plum Sauce contains roughly 173 calories, with 1g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value).

173 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1g 2% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 37.5g 14% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 24.1g 48% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 329.4mg 14% DV
Potassium 342.7mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 27.7mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 39mg 43% DV
Calcium 35.2mg 3% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh lemonade instead of frozen concentrate?

Yes, you can use fresh lemonade, but adjust the sweetness to your taste since frozen concentrates are often sweeter. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed while simmering the sauce.

What can I substitute for plum preserves?

If you don't have plum preserves, consider using apricot or peach preserves. Both will provide a similar sweetness and texture, although the flavor will slightly differ. You can also mix in some chopped dried plums for a more authentic taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce gently before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Chinese recipes → Chicken recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →