Chicken with Orange Plum Sauce is roasted until juicy, then glazed with a sweet, tangy sauce made with plum sauce, orange juice, soy sauce, and sweet chili sauce.
Updated May 2026: This recipe has been refreshed with clearer instructions, better sauce tips, and helpful notes for juicy roasted chicken every time.
Chicken with Orange Plum Sauce
If your regular roasted chicken needs a little vacation, this Chicken with Orange Plum Sauce is the easiest way to make dinner feel exciting again.
The chicken roasts until golden and juicy, then gets brushed with a glossy orange plum glaze that is sweet, tangy, savory, and a little sticky in the best possible way.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken with Orange Plum Sauce
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Sweet and tangy glaze
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Great with rice or vegetables
- Family-friendly flavor
In my house, roasted chicken is always a reliable dinner. However, plain roasted chicken can get boring fast. This sauce fixes that problem beautifully.
What Does Orange Plum Sauce Taste Like?
The sauce is a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors. The plum sauce adds sweetness, the orange juice brings brightness, the soy sauce adds depth, and the sweet chili sauce gives it a gentle kick.
As a result, every bite has crispy chicken skin, juicy meat, and a sticky glaze that tastes way more complicated than it actually is.
Tips for Juicy Roasted Chicken
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the best flavor
- Pat the chicken dry before roasting
- Roast the chicken first, then add the glaze near the end
- Use a thermometer and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F
- Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want extra caramelization
Adding the sauce too early can make it burn because of the sugar. Therefore, I like to roast the chicken first and brush on the glaze during the final part of cooking.
What to Serve with Orange Plum Chicken
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce.
- Jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed green beans
- Garlic noodles
- Simple cucumber salad
Easy Sauce Variations
You can easily adjust the sauce depending on what you have at home. For example, add grated ginger for extra warmth or a little more sweet chili sauce for more heat.
If you want it sweeter, add a small drizzle of honey. If you want it tangier, add a splash of rice vinegar or extra orange juice.
If you try this recipe, tag @LivingSweetMoments. I love seeing your creations!
Chicken With Orange Plum Sauce
Ingredients
For Chicken
- 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Orange Plum Sauce
- 1/4 cup plum sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Pat the chicken dry and arrange in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Rub with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast uncovered for 40–45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together plum sauce, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic in a small saucepan.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Remove chicken from oven and brush generously with the orange plum sauce, reserving some for serving.
- Return chicken to the oven and roast for another 10–15 minutes, or until caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts for this recipe.
- Want extra crisp skin? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Great served with jasmine rice or roasted broccoli.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but boneless chicken cooks faster. Start checking for doneness earlier so it does not dry out.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes. Chicken breasts work, but thighs and drumsticks stay juicier and are more forgiving.
Where do I find plum sauce?
You can usually find plum sauce in the Asian section of most supermarkets or online.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
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This looks incredible! So creative. Can’t wait to try it 🙂
Thank you Valerie!