Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

The Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken with a sticky sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe stands out with its unique combination of fig preserves and balsamic vinegar. It’s not just delicious; it’s also easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of fig preserves and balsamic vinegar creates a rich, complex flavor that elevates simple chicken into a gourmet dish.
• Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken fits perfectly into any occasion.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in a single skillet means fewer dishes to wash afterward, making cleanup a breeze.
• Healthy and Delicious: With lean chicken and natural ingredients, this dish is not only tasty but also offers nutritional benefits.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for perfect roasting and browning.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients seamlessly before applying them to the chicken.
• Whisk: Helps mix sauces thoroughly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Meat thermometer: Guarantees that your chicken is cooked to the right internal temperature for safety.

Ingredients

The sticky sweet and tangy sauce of this skillet chicken is a hit on the dinner table!

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 Sauce

• 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 high temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy skin on your chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together:
1. Softened butter with half of the minced garlic.
2. Half of the minced rosemary.
3. Half of the salt.
4. Half of the ground black pepper.

Step 3: Rub Butter on Chicken

Place your broken-down chicken pieces into the cast iron skillet. Use your hands to rub the prepared butter mixture generously over the outside of each piece.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken

Put the skillet in the preheated oven to begin roasting. While it roasts, whisk together:
– Balsamic vinegar,
– Fig preserves,
– Remaining minced garlic,
– Remaining rosemary,
– Salt,
– Ground black pepper.

This will be your delicious glaze!

Step 5: Baste with Sauce

After about 15 minutes, pull the chicken out of the oven. Brush most of your prepared sauce over each piece of chicken. Return it to the oven, basting every 10 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Cook until your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C), which should take about 25 minutes total. Pour any remaining sauce over top before letting it cool slightly in the skillet before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken!

How to Serve Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: A simple salad with arugula, spinach, and a light vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the fig glaze.
• Greek Salad: The tangy feta and olives in a Greek salad offer a savory contrast to the sweet chicken.

Accompany with Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Sliced baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover fig glaze on your plate.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich chicken dish.

Add Seasonal Vegetables

• Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus adds a fresh crunch that balances the dish.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli drizzled with olive oil provides both color and nutrition.

Serve with Rice or Grains

• Wild Rice Pilaf: The nutty flavor of wild rice enhances the overall meal experience.
• Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad mixed with herbs can add texture and flavor diversity.

How to Perfect Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

Perfecting your Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken ensures that every bite is flavorful and tender. Here are some tips to achieve the best results:

• Use Room Temperature Chicken: Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
• Baste Frequently: Brush the chicken with sauce every 10 minutes while roasting. This keeps it moist and enhances flavor.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165 °F (74 °C) for safety and tenderness.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken. Here are some delightful options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs nicely with fig glaze, creating a harmonious dish.
3. Cauliflower Rice: A lighter option that absorbs flavors well, making it an excellent accompaniment.
4. Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in olive oil add vibrant color and freshness.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and crunch that contrasts well with chicken.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure you generously season with salt and pepper for a tasty outcome.

• Not preheating the oven: Cooking the chicken in a cold oven can result in uneven cooking. Make sure to preheat your oven to 425 °F (218 °C) before placing the chicken inside.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for perfectly juicy results.

• Ignoring sauce application: Neglecting to baste your chicken with sauce during cooking will lead to less flavor. Remember to brush the sauce on every 10 minutes for maximum taste.

• Using low-quality preserves: Low-quality fig preserves might not provide the right balance of sweetness and tanginess. Choose a high-quality brand for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

• For longer storage, freeze your cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container.
• It will last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing quality.

Reheating Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and reheat chicken covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place portions on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits instead of figs for this skillet chicken?

Yes! You can experiment with other fruit preserves like peach or apricot for different flavors in your glaze.

What sides pair well with Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken?

Serve this delicious dish with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal that complements its sweet and tangy profile.

How do I know when my skillet chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read at least 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part of the chicken.

Can I prepare Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken makes a great meal prep option as it reheats well and provides flavorful leftovers throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is an incredibly flavorful dish that brings together sweet and savory elements effortlessly. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it with various sides or customize it with different fruit preserves. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

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Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken, a delightful dish that marries tender chicken with a sticky, sweet-tangy sauce. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The combination of fig preserves and balsamic vinegar creates a rich glaze that elevates simple chicken into a gourmet experience, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Serve it alongside fresh salads or crusty bread to enhance your meal, and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 fryer chicken (broken into pieces)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 sprigs rosemary (minced)
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup fig preserves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, half the minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the butter mixture on chicken pieces in a cast iron skillet.
4. Roast chicken in the oven while whisking together balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, remaining garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Baste chicken with sauce after 15 minutes and continue roasting, basting every 10 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
6. Let rest before serving with remaining glaze poured over.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (150g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For variation, try using different fruit preserves like peach or apricot. Pair with roasted vegetables or light salads for a balanced meal.