Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

The Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of chicken with a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you want to impress your guests. The combination of balsamic vinegar and fig preserves elevates this skillet chicken, making it a standout meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready for the oven in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of garlic, rosemary, and fig preserves creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s suitable for any occasion.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in one skillet for easy cleanup, making your cooking experience stress-free.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The unique flavor profile appeals to both kids and adults alike!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for perfect roasting.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently.
• Whisk: Makes mixing sauces quick and easy.

Ingredients

To make the delicious Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken, you will need the following 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 ensures that your chicken roasts perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together:
1. Unsalted butter (softened)
2. Half of the minced garlic
3. Half of the minced rosemary
4. Half of the salt
5. Half of the ground black pepper

Step 3: Rub Chicken with Butter Mixture

Place the chicken pieces into a 9-inch cast iron skillet. Rub the prepared butter mixture all over the outside of each chicken piece.

Step 4: Begin Roasting Chicken

Put the skillet in the preheated oven to start roasting. Meanwhile, whisk together:
– Balsamic vinegar
– Fig preserves
– Remaining garlic
– Remaining rosemary
– Remaining salt
– Remaining pepper

Step 5: Brush on Sauce and Continue Cooking

After about 10 minutes, pull out the chicken from the oven. Brush most of the prepared sauce over the chicken pieces. Return to oven and baste every 10 minutes.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C), which should take about 25 minutes. Pour any remaining sauce over before letting it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken!

How to Serve Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

Serving Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken can elevate your dinner experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes, making it versatile for any occasion.

With Fresh Herbs

• Rosemary sprigs: Garnishing with fresh rosemary adds a fragrant touch that enhances the dish’s flavor.
• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of parsley brings a pop of color and freshness to each plate.

Over a Bed of Greens

• Mixed greens: Serve the chicken over a mix of arugula, spinach, and kale for a nutritious boost.
• Spinach salad: Pair it with a simple spinach salad dressed in olive oil and lemon for a light side.

Accompanied by Grains

• Quinoa: This nutty grain absorbs the fig glaze beautifully, adding texture and health benefits.
• Rice pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf complements the chicken’s sweetness, making for a hearty meal.

How to Perfect Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

To ensure you achieve the perfect Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the overall flavor of your chicken.
• Bold temperature control: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165 °F (74 °C) for safe eating.
• Bold basting technique: Baste your chicken with sauce every 10 minutes for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
• Bold resting period: Allow the chicken to rest after baking. This helps juices redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.

Best Side Dishes for Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

Pairing sides with Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken enhances its flavors and makes for a complete meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side dish.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized complement the sweet glaze nicely.
3. Couscous Salad: A refreshing couscous salad with cucumbers and tomatoes offers a light balance to the richness of the chicken.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
5. Sweet Potato Wedges: Crispy sweet potato wedges provide a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
6. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice seasoned with herbs as a healthy base.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken to new heights. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken adequately can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure both the inside and outside are well-seasoned.
• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat your oven may result in uneven cooking. Make sure your oven reaches the desired temperature before placing the chicken inside.
• Ignoring internal temperature: Not using a meat thermometer can leave you guessing if the chicken is done. Always check that it reaches 165 °F (74 °C) for safety.
• Using low-quality preserves: Low-quality fig preserves can affect the taste of your sauce. Opt for all-natural, high-quality fig preserves for the best results.
• Rushing the marinating process: Allowing the chicken to sit with the glaze for a short time may cause less flavor infusion. Let it marinate while preparing other ingredients for maximum taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350 °F (175 °C), cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken?

Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring chicken glazed with a sweet and tangy fig sauce, cooked in a skillet for easy preparation.

How long does it take to make Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken?

The total time to prepare this recipe is about 40 minutes, which includes 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking time.

Can I customize my Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken?

Absolutely! You can add different herbs like thyme or use honey instead of fig preserves for a different sweetness.

What sides go well with Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Is Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken healthy?

Yes! It is relatively healthy with about 378 calories per serving and provides protein along with essential nutrients from herbs and chicken.

Final Thoughts

Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is not only delectable but also versatile enough for any dinner table. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite herbs or sides. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress your family and friends!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken, a dish that masterfully combines juicy chicken with a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze. With the perfect balance of balsamic vinegar and fig preserves, this one-pan meal is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, this skillet chicken will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy it alongside fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or comforting grains for a complete dining experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 sprigs rosemary (minced)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 fryer chicken (broken into pieces)
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup fig preserves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. In a bowl, mix softened butter with half of the minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture onto the chicken pieces placed in a cast iron skillet.
4. Roast chicken in the oven while whisking balsamic vinegar with fig preserves and remaining garlic and herbs.
5. Brush the sauce over chicken after 10 minutes and baste every ten minutes until done.
6. Cook until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached; let cool slightly before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 378
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 632mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 94mg