Plum Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of plums with tender cooked chicken, crunchy cashews, and a tangy plum sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleasing option for a quick and satisfying meal. Let’s explore the history, story, and preparation of this delicious recipe.

Plums have a rich history and have been enjoyed for centuries in various cuisines around the world. They are known for their sweet and tangy flavor and are often used in both savory and sweet dishes. Plum sauces and glazes have been a staple in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Thai cooking, where they add a unique combination of sweetness and acidity to dishes. Plum sauce, commonly made from plums, vinegar, and various spices, creates a flavorful base for this Plum Chicken recipe.

PREP/TOTAL TIME: 20 MIN.

MAKES: 4 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
• ⅓ cup plum sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup salted cashews
• 2 medium fresh plums, sliced
• 12 Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large saucepan, combine the drained crushed pineapple, plum sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook and stir the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
2. Stir in the cubed cooked chicken breast, chopped green onions, and salted cashews. Heat the mixture through, ensuring the chicken is warmed.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the sliced fresh plums, incorporating them into the chicken mixture. The plums will add a burst of sweetness and freshness to the dish.
4. To serve, place approximately ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture onto each Boston or Bibb lettuce leaf, allowing the lettuce to act as a wrapper. The crisp lettuce provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken filling.
5. Fold the lettuce over the chicken filling, creating a neat and handheld package that can be enjoyed easily.

NOTE:

• Plum Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even as part of a larger meal. The combination of sweet plums, tangy plum sauce, and tender chicken, along with the crunch of cashews and the freshness of lettuce, creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional wraps or sandwiches while still delivering on taste. Enjoy the Plum Chicken recipe with friends and family, and savor the delightful combination of flavors it brings to your table.

TIPS:

• Customize the Plum Sauce: While store-bought plum sauce works perfectly fine for this recipe, you can elevate the flavors by making your own homemade plum sauce. Experiment with different varieties of plums, such as Japanese plums or Santa Rosa plums, and adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking by adding honey, brown sugar, or additional vinegar. Homemade plum sauce allows you to control the flavor profile and create a unique sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Add a Touch of Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding some heat to your Plum Chicken. You can incorporate a minced chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the saucepan while cooking the pineapple, plum sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil mixture. The heat will add a pleasant kick to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the plums and pineapple. Adjust the amount of heat according to your preference and taste.