If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, hearty, and utterly comforting, then you simply have to try this Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of succulent roasted chicken pieces kissed by the sweetness of fig preserves and the tangy depth of balsamic vinegar. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of savory herbs, garlic, and a luscious glaze that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal. This recipe is an absolute favorite for dinner gatherings or a cozy family meal that feels special yet remains easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, relying on just a handful of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the butter adds richness, garlic and rosemary bring aromatic warmth, and the fig preserves create that unforgettable glaze that defines this dish’s character.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Acts as the flavorful base to carry herbs and help brown the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers a robust punch that pairs perfectly with both savory and sweet elements.
- Rosemary (3 sprigs, destemmed and minced): Adds a fragrant herbal note that’s earthy and fresh.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Delivers a subtle spicy warmth to balance the sweetness.
- Fryer chicken (broken into 6 or 8 pieces): Provides tender, juicy meat that crisps up nicely in the skillet.
- Balsamic vinegar (1/2 cup): Brings acidity and depth, counterbalancing the sweet fig glaze.
- Fig preserves (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that gives this recipe its irresistible, glossy finish and rich fruity flavor.
How to Make Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Starting off, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). This high heat will help crisp up the skin of the chicken and lock in all those juices. Getting your oven properly heated is key to achieving that perfect roasted texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Herbed Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with half the minced garlic, minced rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these ingredients at the start allows the flavors to meld and creates an aromatic seasoning butter that coats every piece of chicken lovingly.
Step 3: Rub the Chicken with Butter Mixture
Generously rub the butter-herb mix all over the chicken pieces right in your cast iron skillet. This step infuses the meat with savory flavors and ensures a golden, crispy skin after roasting. The skillet also makes for a perfect roasting vessel, giving the chicken that lovely sear.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
Place the skillet in the oven and roast the chicken for about 10 minutes. This initial roasting starts the cooking process and builds the base for the glaze to adhere to later, locking in all the moisture inside the chicken.
Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Fig Glaze
While the chicken begins roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, the remaining garlic and rosemary, plus a bit more salt and pepper. Brush most of this glossy, tangy-sweet glaze over the chicken pieces. This ensures every bite is bursting with that unique fig flavor we adore.
Step 6: Continue Roasting and Basting
Return the chicken to the oven and continue roasting, basting it with the glaze every 10 minutes. Keep this up until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The basting step is key for building that rich, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the skin.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once perfectly cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender with a silky fig glaze coating.
How to Serve Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches really elevate this dish. Sprinkle some fresh rosemary sprigs over the glazed chicken for an aromatic, elegant look. A few cracked black peppercorns add a slight crunch, while a light drizzle of extra fig glaze or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add bursts of flavor right at the table.
Side Dishes
The sweet-savory notes of this chicken pair wonderfully with a range of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables complement the richness. If you prefer something lighter, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the sweetness perfectly. For a rustic touch, simple garlic bread or couscous also makes excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe family-style in the cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation that invites sharing. Alternatively, place individual chicken pieces over a bed of wild rice and drizzle with extra glaze. Adding fresh figs halved on the plate can reinforce the fruity elements and make the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before storing to maintain the texture and flavor of the glaze.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the chicken pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen leftovers stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve quality.
Reheating
Reheat your fig glazed chicken gently in the oven around 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain its juicy texture and caramelized skin. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep the glaze intact and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a fryer chicken?
Absolutely! While fryer chicken pieces provide a nice variety of textures, boneless, skin-on chicken breasts work well too. Just adjust the cooking time since breasts tend to cook faster and are leaner.
Where can I find fig preserves?
Fig preserves are often available in most grocery stores in the jam or preserves section. Look for ones with natural ingredients for the best flavor, or you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Is balsamic vinegar necessary for this recipe?
Yes, balsamic vinegar adds a crucial tangy depth that balances the sweetness of the fig glaze. However, if you don’t have balsamic, a good quality red wine vinegar can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your fig preserves and other packaged ingredients to be sure.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A light to medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a fruity Zinfandel pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory notes of this chicken. For white wine lovers, try a rich Chardonnay to complement the roasted flavors and glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen without a ton of fuss. The delightful mix of sweet figs, tangy balsamic, and herbal butter creates a memorable meal for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it might just become a new favorite to savor over and over again!
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Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken pieces roasted in a rich, flavorful fig and balsamic glaze. Enhanced with garlic and rosemary, the dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, ideal for a comforting dinner that impresses.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
- 3 sprigs rosemary (destemmed and minced, divided)
- 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided)
Chicken and Glaze
- 1 fryer chicken (broken into 6 or 8 pieces)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup fig preserves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with half of the minced garlic, minced rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful butter spread.
- Season Chicken: Generously rub the butter mixture over all the chicken pieces arranged in a cast iron skillet ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Initial Roast: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for about 10 minutes to start cooking and browning.
- Make Glaze and Brush: While the chicken roasts, whisk together balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, the remaining garlic and rosemary, plus the remaining salt and pepper. Brush most of this glaze over the chicken to infuse flavor.
- Continue Roasting with Basting: Roast the chicken further, basting it with the glaze every 10 minutes. Continue until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 25 minutes total cooking time.
- Rest: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet enhances browning and flavor development.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Fig preserves add sweetness that balances the tangy balsamic vinegar perfectly.
- Resting the chicken after roasting helps keep it juicy.
- Rosemary can be substituted with thyme if preferred.
