Island Chicken With Plums
Island Chicken With Plums features tender chicken parts cooked in a tangy apricot and plum sauce, accented with ginger, garlic, and green onions for a delightful tropical flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 lb. chicken parts ⓘ
- salt and black pepper
- 2 1/4 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 3 tsp. chicken soup base ⓘ
- 1 cup apricot nectar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups drained chopped plums ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/3 cup peach preserves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1 medium clove garlic
- cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 2 1/4 cups boiling water to a boil.
- Add chicken soup base, salt, and black pepper to taste, then simmer chicken parts until cooked through, about 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix apricot nectar, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.
- Combine the sauce mixture with drained chopped plums and chopped green onions.
- Thicken the sauce by gradually stirring in cornstarch mixed with a little water until desired consistency.
- Add cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have apricot nectar, peach nectar or a mix of fruit juices can work as a substitute. You can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks for a juicier result. Ensure to adjust the cooking time depending on the chicken parts used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Island Chicken hot over a bed of cooked rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added crunch and nutrition. Consider serving with a side of Quick Chicken Marengo for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or in the microwave, ensuring the chicken is hot all the way through to maintain its flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Island Chicken With Plums contains roughly 485 calories, with 5g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
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 other fruits instead of plums?
Yes, you can substitute the chopped plums with other fruits like peaches or nectarines, which will complement the flavors nicely. Just ensure they are ripe and sweet for the best results.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with garlic bread or a side of quinoa.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, consider using skinless chicken parts and reducing the amount of brown sugar or using a sugar substitute. You can also increase the amount of vegetables in the dish for added nutrients.
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).