Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that's about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts glazed with a mouthwatering fusion of sweet plum and zesty orange that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained in a professional kitchen. This Plum Orange Glazed Chicken isn't just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup plum sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better browning. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together plum sauce, orange juice, and soy sauce until well combined, creating a vibrant glaze.
- Place seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Pour half of the plum-orange glaze over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During baking, brush the chicken with remaining glaze every 10 minutes to create a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal juiciness.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Browning: Removing moisture from chicken breasts helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and helps the glaze adhere better.
- Glaze Application Technique: Brush the glaze multiple times during cooking to build layers of flavor and create a gorgeous caramelized finish.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to adjust the plum sauce and orange juice ratio to suit your taste preferences - a little more sweet or tangy is always welcome!
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but brings a fresh herb note that complements the rich glaze.
- Side Dish Pairings: This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a light salad to balance the sweet and savory glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 105mg
