Sweet and Sticky Prune Chicken
Sweet and sticky prune chicken made without refined sugar. This easy chicken recipe uses prunes for natural sweetness and a rich, glossy sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or wings
- 1 tbsp Chinese 5 spice
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup California Prunes pitted
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger fresh or paste
- 1 –2 tsp sriracha optional, for heat
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
Instructions
Make the Prune Puree
- Add the prunes to the hot water and let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften. Blend until completely smooth using a blender or hand blender. Set aside.
Prep the Chicken
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken with Chinese 5 spice, white pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
- Bake or smoke the chicken at 400°F for about 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 175°F. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the prune puree, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sriracha (if using), and water. Mix until smooth.
Simmer and Thicken
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. If needed, add a cornstarch slurry to thicken further.
Combine
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes until glossy and sticky.
Notes
Tips for the Best Sweet and Sticky Prune Chicken
- Let the prunes fully soften before blending for a smooth sauce
- Simmer the sauce long enough to develop that sticky texture
- Adjust spice level by adding or skipping the sriracha
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest result
What to Serve with Sweet and Sticky Prune Chicken
- Steamed rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Stir-fried greens
- Noodles
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sweet and sticky prune chicken taste like prunes?No — the prunes blend into the sauce and create a naturally sweet, rich flavor without being overpowering.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only if you add sriracha. It’s easy to adjust to your preference.