Make a rich, fragrant chicken with plums recipe full of sweet-savory flavor. Easy, Moroccan-style, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special meals.
Why This Chicken with Plums Recipe Works So Well
A chicken with plums recipe might sound unusual at first, but once you taste the blend of sweet, tart, and deeply savory flavors, it instantly clicks.
Chicken pairs beautifully with fruit, and plums—whether fresh, dried, or stewed—add a bright, velvety richness that transforms the dish. Inspired by Moroccan cuisine, this dish uses warm spices, caramelized onions, and soft simmered plums to create a glossy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
What makes this dish special is its balance: sweetness from plums, gentle heat from spices, fresh acidity from lemon, and tender slow-braised chicken.
Whether you’re hosting or looking for an elevated weeknight dinner, this chicken with plums recipe offers restaurant-quality flavor with simple steps.
Ingredients for Chicken with Plums
Below is everything you need to create this flavorful, aromatic chicken with plums recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred) | 6 pieces |
| Fresh plums or dried prunes | 1 ½ cups, sliced |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 large |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Honey or brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Chicken stock | 1 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Ground cumin | ½ tsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish |
This combination creates the iconic sweet-savory balance that defines a standout chicken with plums recipe.
How to Cook Chicken with Plums
Follow these steps to get tender chicken and a velvety, flavorful plum sauce.
1. Prep & Marinate the Chicken
Dry the chicken and coat it with cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes. This builds deep flavor right from the start.
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil and sear the chicken until golden. This step adds essential richness and prevents soggy texture.
3. Build the Plum Sauce
Sauté onions, and add garlic, honey, lemon, and plums. Add stock and simmer until the mixture becomes a soft, glossy sauce.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Nestle the chicken into the sauce and cook gently for 30–35 minutes. The plums will break down into a silky, sweet-savory glaze.
5. Finish & Serve
Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve. You’ll have a rich, fragrant dish perfect for any dinner table.
Variations & Pro Tips
You can easily customize this chicken with plums recipe:
- Moroccan-Style Version – Add saffron, harissa, or preserved lemon.
- Roasted Chicken with Plums – Roast instead of braising for a crisp finish.
- Low-Carb Version—Skip honey and use prunes lightly.
- Red Wine Braised Chicken – Swap part of the stock for wine.
- Plum Jam Glaze – Brush on for a sticky, caramelized coating.
Pro Tips:
- Bone-in chicken gives juicier meat.
- Use prunes for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip searing—it’s key to flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Couscous or quinoa—absorbs the sauce perfectly.
- Mashed potatoes or polenta—adds comforting richness.
- Rice or pilaf—simple and classic.
- Roasted vegetables—complements the sweetness of plums.
- Fresh green salad—balances the hearty sauce.
Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 16 g |
Health Benefits:
- Plums provide antioxidants and fiber for digestion.
- Chicken is a lean, high-protein base.
- Spices like cinnamon and cumin support anti-inflammatory health.
This makes the chicken with plums recipe both nutritious and deeply satisfying.
FAQs – Chicken with Plums Recipe
Q: Can I make this chicken with plums recipe ahead of time?
Yes—the flavors improve overnight.
Q: Should I use fresh plums or dried prunes?
Both work. Fresh gives brightness; prunes make it richer.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Yes—add harissa or chili flakes.
Q: Best chicken cuts to use?
Bone-in thighs are ideal, but other cuts work too.
Q: Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes—braise uncovered at 180°C (350°F) for 45–50 minutes.
Final Thoughts
A chicken with plums recipe delivers that perfect harmony of sweet fruit, warm spices, and tender chicken. It’s comforting, elegant, and simple enough for weekday cooking while impressive enough for guests.
Try it once, and it’ll become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
