Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is a flavorful, one-pan meal where juicy, bone-in chicken is roasted in a luscious glaze made from fig preserves and balsamic vinegar. This easy yet elegant dish balances sweet and savory for a comforting, gourmet-worthy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-skillet recipe with minimal cleanup
• Sweet and tangy glaze creates a rich, caramelized finish
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining
• Easily customizable with herbs and aromatics

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup fig preserves (or fig jam)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Optional: fresh thyme, shallots, or extra garlic for the glaze

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Mix butter with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub mixture under and over chicken skin.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down to sear for 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 minutes more.
4. While chicken sears, whisk together fig preserves and balsamic vinegar.
5. Remove pan from heat, brush chicken with glaze, and transfer skillet to the oven.
6. Roast for 25–30 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through.
7. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to caramelize the glaze.
8. Garnish with herbs and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Use boneless chicken: Adjust cook time to 20–25 minutes
• Add shallots or red onions: Roast with chicken for more depth
• Herb swap: Use thyme or oregano instead of rosemary
• Wine enhancement: Add a splash of red wine to the glaze for complexity

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through; baste with glaze if needed
• Freeze cooked chicken and glaze separately for up to 2 months

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but watch the cook time closely to prevent drying—about 20–25 minutes in the oven.

Is the fig glaze sweet?

It’s mildly sweet but balanced by balsamic vinegar. Adjust sweetness with more vinegar if needed.

Can I use dried herbs?

Yes—use about one-third the amount of dried rosemary or thyme.

What can I serve with it?

Great sides include mashed potatoes, wild rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Do I need to broil it?

Broiling caramelizes the glaze and crisps the skin—highly recommended but optional.

Can I make the glaze ahead?

Absolutely—store it in the fridge for up to 5 days and warm before using.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure your fig preserves and balsamic vinegar are gluten-free.

Can I cook everything in the oven?

Yes, searing adds depth, but you can skip it and go straight to roasting.

How do I know the chicken is done?

Use a thermometer; internal temp should reach 165°F.

What if I don’t have fig jam?

Try apricot or plum preserves for a similar sweet-savory effect.

Conclusion

Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is a simple yet sophisticated dish that delivers rich, balanced flavor with minimal effort. The fig and balsamic glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, making each bite deeply satisfying. It’s a perfect dinner for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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