The Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is sure to impress at any dinner table. This dish combines succulent chicken with a sticky sweet and tangy sauce made from fig preserves and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers bold flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how easily it comes together in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of figs and balsamic adds a unique sweetness that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that suits any palate.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in a single skillet means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Impressive Presentation: The glossy glaze gives this dish an eye-catching finish that makes it perfect for entertaining.
Tools and Preparation
Cooking can be effortless when you have the right tools at your side. Here’s what you’ll need to make Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken shine.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
- Meat thermometer: Helps check doneness without cutting into the meat, keeping it juicy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 sprigs rosemary (destemmed and minced)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 fryer chicken (broken into 6 or 8 pieces)
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup fig preserves
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 °F (218 °C). This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown color.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter with half of the minced garlic, half of the rosemary, half of the salt, and half of the pepper. This herb-infused butter will add flavor to your chicken.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces into a 9-inch cast iron skillet. Use your hands to rub the prepared butter all over the outside of each chicken piece, ensuring even coverage.
Step 4: Start Roasting
Put the skillet in the preheated oven to begin roasting. While it’s cooking, whisk together balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, remaining garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until well combined.
Step 5: Apply the Glaze
After about 10 minutes of roasting, carefully pull out the skillet. Brush most of the sauce mixture onto each piece of chicken. Return it to the oven and baste with sauce every 10 minutes during cooking.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Continue cooking until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C), which should take about 25 minutes total. Once done, pour any remaining sauce on top before letting it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken
Serving Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is an opportunity to impress your family and friends. The sweet and tangy flavors of the dish make it versatile for different occasions. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful chicken.
On a Bed of Greens
- Use fresh spinach or arugula as a base to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for added flavor.
With Rice or Quinoa
- Serve over fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
- Add herbs or spices to the grains for extra taste.
Accompanied by Crusty Bread
- Pair with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Warm the bread slightly before serving for best results.
As Part of a Charcuterie Board
- Slice the cooked chicken and include it on a charcuterie board.
- Add figs, cheeses, and nuts for an elegant touch.
How to Perfect Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken, follow these tips to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and rosemary will elevate the dish’s taste significantly.
- Let the chicken rest: Allowing chicken to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
- Baste often: Basting with the sauce every 10 minutes ensures flavor permeates throughout the meat.
- Check internal temperature: Always use a meat thermometer; aim for 165 °F (74 °C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Best Side Dishes for Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken
To complement your Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken, consider serving it with delightful side dishes. Each option enhances the meal while adding variety.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add a comforting element.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection bring color and nutrition to your plate.
- Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds provide crunch and freshness.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that soaks up sauces beautifully while being light on calories.
- Cranberry Salad: A tangy salad with cranberries adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs complements the flavors of fig and balsamic beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken, a few common mistakes can hinder your cooking experience and the dish’s overall flavor. Here are some to watch out for:
- Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat to 425 °F (218 °C) before placing your chicken in.
- Skipping the Marinade: Some may skip marinating the chicken with the fig glaze. This sauce adds flavor, so take the time to let it soak into the chicken for maximum taste.
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Crowding the pan prevents proper browning and can cause steaming instead of roasting. Make sure there’s enough space between pieces for even cooking.
- Ignoring Internal Temperature: Cooking chicken without checking its internal temperature risks undercooking or overcooking. Always ensure it reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Dried herbs and old vinegar can dull flavors. Use fresh rosemary and quality balsamic vinegar for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken
- To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Add chicken and cover, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different preserves for Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken?
Yes! You can substitute fig preserves with other fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry for a different flavor profile.
What side dishes go well with Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken?
Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad to complement its sweet and savory flavors.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for safe consumption. A meat thermometer is the best tool for this.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and marinate the chicken, but it’s best cooked fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
What is special about Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken?
The combination of sweet fig preserves and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a unique glaze that elevates simple skillet chicken into a gourmet meal.
Final Thoughts
Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Its sticky sweet and tangy sauce makes it perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or sides to make it truly your own! Enjoy this delightful recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken
Elevate your dining experience with Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken, a dish that marries the succulent flavors of chicken with a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze made from fig preserves and balsamic vinegar. This one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, offering bold flavors without the fuss of extensive preparation.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Ingredients
- 1 fryer chicken (broken into 6 or 8 pieces)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 sprigs rosemary (destemmed and minced)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup fig preserves
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter with half of the garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the butter mixture all over the chicken pieces in a cast iron skillet.
- Begin roasting chicken in the preheated oven.
- In another bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, remaining garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- After 10 minutes of roasting, brush most of the glaze onto each chicken piece and continue cooking while basting every 10 minutes.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 25 minutes total.
- Pour any remaining glaze over the chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg