Jammy Chicken Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Delight
This Jammy Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that your family will absolutely love. The versatility of the recipe makes it a breeze to customize based on your preferred flavor profile—whether you’re in the mood for blackberry, raspberry, peach, or even fruit-only preserves. The sauce is both rich and flavorful, with a hint of tanginess from the vinegar and a slight kick from the chili powder, which complements the chicken perfectly. This dish works beautifully when served with noodles or rice, which soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite even more irresistible.
If you’ve ever been in search of a quick, easy, and satisfying dinner, look no further than this Jammy Chicken recipe. It’s simple to prepare, requires just a few basic ingredients, and can easily be made in a large batch for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead of time and have a ready-to-go meal whenever you need it.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 490.6 per serving
- Rating: 4.5 stars (based on 29 reviews)
Ingredients for Jammy Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken pieces | 3 1/2 lbs |
| Ketchup | 3/4 cup |
| Vinegar | 3/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Jam or preserves (your choice) | 1/8 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 490.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 24.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 120.8 mg |
| Sodium | 532.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35.7 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugar | 26.4 g |
| Protein | 30.7 g |
Instructions for Making Jammy Chicken
-
Prepare the baking dish
Start by greasing a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures that the chicken will not stick and will cook evenly. -
Optional step: Brown the chicken
While it is not necessary to brown the chicken, if you prefer a slightly crispier texture, you can brown the chicken pieces in a large frying pan over medium heat before placing them in the baking dish. This step adds extra flavor, but it’s entirely up to you. -
Arrange the chicken in the baking dish
Once your baking dish is prepared, place the chicken pieces evenly in the dish. Whether you’re using thighs, breasts, or a mixture, make sure they are spread out to ensure even cooking. -
Make the sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and your choice of jam or preserves. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well combined. You can use any flavor of jam or preserves you like—blackberry, raspberry, peach, or even a fruit-only preserve for a more natural sweetness. -
Pour the sauce over the chicken
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken pieces, making sure each piece is well-coated with the jammy sauce. This will help infuse the chicken with delicious flavor while it bakes. -
Bake the chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken juices run clear and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be bubbling and slightly caramelized by the end of the cooking time. -
Freezing instructions
If you’d like to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can freeze it for later. To do so, place the chicken pieces and sauce ingredients in a large freezer bag. Seal the bag tightly, pushing out as much air as possible, and label it with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge and proceed with the cooking instructions. -
Serve and enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will be thick and jammy, perfect for serving with noodles, rice, or your favorite side dish to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Jammy Chicken
-
Choose the right jam: The jam or preserves you use can significantly affect the flavor of the dish. For a tart and tangy sauce, go with a blackberry or raspberry preserve. If you prefer something sweeter, opt for peach or apricot jam. You can also experiment with fruit-only preserves for a more natural sweetness.
-
Adjust the heat: The chili powder adds a slight heat to the sauce, but if you like your dishes spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
-
Freezing tip: This dish is great for meal prepping, and it freezes well. You can make a double batch, freeze one, and enjoy it later when you’re short on time.
-
Serve with sides: Jammy Chicken is delicious when served with sides that complement the sweet-savory sauce. Try it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love Jammy Chicken
- Quick and easy: With just a 10-minute prep time and 1 hour of baking, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Versatile: You can use any jam or preserves you have on hand, making this dish a perfect option for using up leftover fruit spreads.
- Family favorite: This recipe has received rave reviews from families, and with its simple ingredients and mouthwatering sauce, it’s easy to see why.
- Freezer-friendly: Perfect for making ahead and freezing for later, so you always have a tasty dinner option on hand.
Final Thoughts
Jammy Chicken is one of those recipes that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to serve at a family gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy. The combination of tender chicken, sweet and tangy sauce, and your choice of fruit preserves makes for an irresistible meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and freezes wonderfully for future meals. Give this recipe a try, and you may just have a new family favorite on your hands!
For more family-friendly recipes like this, visit Love With Recipes—your go-to site for delicious, easy-to-make dishes that everyone will love!
