Sweet and spicy sensation: A must-try Mexican-style chicken

In my house, this dish is known as Mexican-style chicken, even though it's hard to find any Mexican connections here. The sauce ingredients are plum jam and ketchup. This combination might sound unusual, but it's definitely worth trying. You'll quickly forget about boring chicken drumsticks.

When I serve this chicken, everyone immediately starts eating. It's a great recipe for a New Year's dinner, a get-together with friends, or a family meal. Plum jam, ketchup, and chili transform ordinary chicken into an exceptionally tasty dish.

It's best to marinate the meat a few hours before baking. Marinating in advance enhances the flavor and makes the meat juicier. However, if you forget, don’t worry. You can start baking after an hour. Combining ketchup, plum jam, and other spices creates a sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and saltiness.

Ingredients:

                        
• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 3 tablespoons of flour
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder (or more, depending on your heat preference)
• 1/3 stick of butter
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of plum jam
• 4 tablespoons of ketchup
• 1 cup of water
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Canola oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Wash and dry the drumsticks. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
2. Mix flour with chili powder and coat the chicken pieces in it.
3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the meat.
4. Melt butter in a pot. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent.
5. Pour in the wine vinegar, add plum jam, ketchup, water, and bay leaf.
6. Bring to a boil and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Transfer the fried drumsticks to an ovenproof dish, pour the prepared sauce over them, and cover.
8. Place in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about an hour until the meat is tender.

Serve the ready Mexican-style chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as boiled potatoes, fries, and coleslaw. Enjoy!