Chicken Thighs With Fresh Plum Agrodolce

Chicken Thighs with Fresh Plum Agrodolce is a vibrant twist on a classic Italian dish, offering a balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors. The fresh plums add a delightful burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the chicken thighs.

Simmered with sherry vinegar and honey, the agrodolce sauce transforms into a velvety topping, making this dish both easy enough for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for a dinner party.

Serve with a side of rice and roasted asparagus for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication.

Chicken Thighs with Fresh Plum Agrodolce Ingredients

The rich, tender chicken thighs serve as the perfect base, absorbing the bold, tangy notes of the plum sauce. Fresh plums provide a sweet, tart contrast, enhancing the dish with their vibrant flavor. Sherry vinegar adds a sharp depth, while honey balances the acidity with natural sweetness. A touch of shallot brings a mild, aromatic sweetness, and red pepper flakes offer a subtle kick. The finishing touch of butter rounds out the sauce, lending a silky, indulgent texture.

Chicken Thighs with Fresh Plum Agrodolce

Recipe Tips

1. Pat the Chicken Dry
   To achieve a beautifully crisp exterior, be sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning and searing. Moisture on the surface can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, preventing that golden-brown crust that enhances flavor and texture. This step is key to a perfect sear every time.
2. Control the Sauce Consistency
   The key to the perfect agrodolce sauce is balance. If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce to the right consistency. On the other hand, if it gets too thick, you can add a splash of water or extra vinegar to adjust. Keep a close eye on it during the simmering stage for best results.
3. Customize the Sweetness
   Adjust the honey based on the sweetness of the plums and your taste preference. If your plums are particularly tart, you may want to add a touch more honey to balance the vinegar’s tang. Taste the sauce before finishing to make sure it strikes the perfect sweet-tart balance.

What to Serve with Chicken Thighs with Fresh Plum Agrodolce

1. Crispy Roasted Asparagus
   The earthy, slightly bitter flavor of roasted asparagus pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart plum sauce. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast until crispy. The combination of savory chicken with the crisp greens creates a well-rounded meal that’s both light and satisfying.
2. Fluffy Rice Pilaf
   A fluffy rice pilaf, infused with herbs and a hint of garlic, serves as the perfect side dish. It soaks up the rich plum sauce, adding texture and depth to the meal. Choose a long-grain variety like basmati or jasmine for a light, aromatic base that complements the vibrant chicken thighs.
3. Mixed Green Salad
   A simple salad with fresh greens, such as arugula, spinach, and mixed herbs, adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. Toss with a light vinaigrette made with lemon juice and olive oil for a bright, zesty finish that balances the meal’s flavors.

FAQ

1. Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
   Yes, you can substitute the plums with other stone fruits such as peaches or nectarines. These fruits have a similar balance of sweetness and tartness, which will work well with the agrodolce sauce.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   While the chicken is best served fresh, the plum sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the sauce when you’re ready to serve, and then finish cooking the chicken. This can save time on a busy evening.
3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear, not pink, when pierced.
4. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
   Yes, you can use bone-in thighs, but the cooking time will be longer. You’ll need to adjust the searing time and allow for more cooking time in the sauce to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Chicken Thighs With Fresh Plum Agrodolce

Agrodolce, which translates to “bittersweet” in Italian, traditionally refers to a sauce crafted from vinegar and sweeteners like honey or sugar. This modern variation features fresh plums, which contribute a vibrant, sweet-tart flavor, offering an exciting twist to the classic. Combined with sherry vinegar and honey, the plums break down into a beautiful sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender, succulent chicken thighs. This recipe is an effortless yet elegant option, ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and more refined gatherings. Serve it with rice and roasted asparagus for a complete, satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 4 large boneless skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1¼ pounds)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 large shallot or ½ small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 large red plums pitted and cut into ½-inch wedges
• A pinch of red-pepper flakes
• ⅓ cup sherry vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cold butter either salted or unsalted

Instructions

 

• Step 1
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Avoid flipping the chicken prematurely to ensure it releases naturally from the pan. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
• Step 2
• In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the thinly sliced shallots and plum wedges, seasoning them with salt and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir occasionally until the shallots soften. Add the sherry vinegar and honey, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, including any accumulated juices, and cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
• Step 3
• Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving plate and pour the plum sauce over the top. Stir in the cold butter into the sauce, whisking until smooth and glossy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, before serving.

Keyword Chicken Thighs With Fresh Plum Agrodolce