Plum-Barbecued Chicken
Juicy chicken glazed with a tangy plum-barbecue sauce, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a delightful blend of fruitiness and smoky flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove excess fat from chicken pieces.
- Place chicken, meaty sides up, in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch rectangular pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a food processor or blender, combine drained and pitted plums, chopped onion, chili sauce, lemon juice, and prepared mustard.
- Cover and blend on medium speed until well blended.
- Pour the plum mixture over the chicken.
- Cover the pan and bake for 30 minutes, spooning pan juices over the chicken halfway through.
- Uncover and bake until the thickest pieces are cooked through, about 20 minutes longer.
- Remove chicken to a platter.
- Stir pan juices and spoon over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the plum mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have purple plums, you can substitute with canned peaches or apricots. Adjust the heat by adding a dash of hot sauce to the plum blend if you prefer a spicier kick. Make sure to cover the pan during the first part of baking to keep the chicken moist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Plum-Barbecued Chicken with a side of Company Coleslaw for crunch and freshness. It pairs well with fluffy Brown Sugar Refrigerator Rolls to soak up the tangy sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the sweetness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, basting with pan juices to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plum-Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 111 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (173% of the Daily Value) and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of fryer chicken. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as darker meat may require a bit longer to cook through. Make sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C).
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The plum sauce can be prepared up to a day ahead. Simply blend the ingredients as directed, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and pour over the chicken just before baking. This can save time and enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days.
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).