Get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly unforgettable meal with this Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe. The magic here lies in the perfect balance of sweet, tangy fig preserves combined with rich balsamic vinegar, all beautifully melded into a buttery, garlicky, and rosemary-kissed glaze that clings to tender, juicy chicken pieces. This dish is a harmonious celebration of flavors and textures, cooked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet, making it as impressive on the table as it is simple to prepare. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dishes for a cozy yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role—from the creamy butter and fragrant garlic that create the perfect savory base, to the fresh rosemary and seasoning that add layers of aroma and depth. The star, of course, is the succulent chicken paired with a luscious fig and balsamic glaze that brings the whole dish together with a glossy, flavorful finish.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and helps the glaze stick beautifully to the chicken skin.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the butter and sauce with that irresistible savory punch.
- 3 sprigs rosemary, destemmed and minced: Fresh rosemary brightens the dish with an earthy, herbal note.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly throughout.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balances the sweetness.
- 1 fryer chicken, broken into 6 or 8 pieces (drumsticks and thighs with skin): Using bone-in, skin-on pieces ensures juicy meat and crispy skin.
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar: Provides that tangy depth which beautifully complements the figs.
- ½ cup fig preserves: Sweet, sticky, and bursting with fruity flavor—the star of the glaze.
How to Make Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 °F (218 °C). While the oven warms up, mix the softened butter with half of the minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This compound butter is going to infuse every bite of chicken with mouthwatering flavor, so take a moment to get it just right. The garlic and rosemary will mingle beautifully into the creamy butter, creating the perfect seasoning base.
Step 2: Rub the Chicken with Herb Butter
Place your chicken pieces into a 9-inch cast iron skillet. Don’t be shy—rub the garlic herb butter all over the skin and outside of each piece. This step ensures the chicken soaks up incredible flavor from the start and helps the skin achieve a golden crispness during roasting. The butter also forms the foundation for the irresistible glaze that comes later.
Step 3: Get the Oven Roasting Started
Pop the skillet into the oven to begin roasting the chicken. While it starts cooking, take a moment to prepare the glaze. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, and the remaining garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This sauce is where the magic of the Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe truly shines—its sticky sweetness and tangy brightness will make your kitchen smell divine and your taste buds dance.
Step 4: Glaze and Continue Roasting
After the chicken has roasted for a bit, pull the skillet out and brush most of your luscious fig glaze all over the chicken pieces. Then slide it back into the oven to keep roasting. Every 10 minutes or so, baste the chicken with the sauce in the pan—this layering technique creates that perfect sticky glaze that clings to each crispy piece. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C), about 25 minutes, ensuring perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
Step 5: Final Touch and Rest
Once done, drizzle the remaining glaze over the top. Let the skillet rest on the counter so those gorgeous flavors settle and the chicken cools just enough to serve. This final step helps the glaze thicken slightly and the chicken to become even more tender and delicious.
How to Serve Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe, fresh garnishes make all the difference. Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or thyme over the top for a pop of green and herbal aroma. A few whole figs or thin fig slices around the plate add a whimsical, elegant touch and hint at the sauce’s star ingredient. For a splash of color and texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the chicken just before serving.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines when paired with simple, complementary sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or a silky polenta offer the perfect neutral backdrop to the bold flavors of the glaze. For a lighter option, roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots bring lovely earthiness. A crisp, fresh salad with citrus vinaigrette brightens the meal and balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the joy with this recipe. Serve the chicken family-style right from the cast iron skillet to the table for a rustic, inviting look. Or plate individual portions on warmed dishes, spooning extra glaze over the top and adding your garnishes for a restaurant-quality flair. Pairing with a bottle of light, fruity red wine or a crisp white will make the occasion feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. The chicken might absorb more of the fig glaze flavors overnight, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze leftover chicken pieces in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To preserve the best texture, pour some of the fig glaze sauce over the chicken before freezing—this helps lock in moisture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the tastiest results when reheating, warm your chicken in a low oven (around 300 °F / 150 °C) until heated through to avoid drying out the juicy meat. Alternatively, gently reheat on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, covering loosely. Finish with a drizzle of extra fig glaze to revive that sticky, flavorful coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but since they cook faster and can dry out more easily, keep a close eye on them and check for doneness sooner. Adding the glaze early and basting often will help keep them moist and delicious.
Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet for this recipe?
While a cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat and browns the chicken evenly, you can use any oven-safe skillet or roasting pan you have. Just make sure it comfortably fits all the chicken pieces in a single layer.
Can I substitute fig preserves with another fruit preserve?
You can! Apricot or raspberry preserves provide a different but equally delightful sweetness and texture. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly, so experiment to find your favorite version of the Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure safety and juiciness. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken pieces; when it reads 165 °F (74 °C), your chicken is perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature and whisk again before glazing your chicken for the best consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that wins hearts every time. It’s bold yet approachable, bursting with flavors that feel luxurious but are easy to achieve. Whether you’re cooking a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings warmth to the table and joy to the palate. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a treasured classic in your kitchen!
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Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken features tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a buttery garlic and rosemary rub, then roasted to perfection with a sticky, sweet, and tangy fig and balsamic glaze that creates a deliciously caramelized finish. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Butter Rub
- ¼ cup (57 g) 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)
- 1 fryer chicken, broken into 6 or 8 pieces (6 drumsticks and 2 thighs with skins on recommended)
Fig Glaze Sauce
- ½ cup (118 g) balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup (112 g) fig preserves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 °F (218 °C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
- Prepare Butter Rub: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with half of the minced garlic, half of the minced rosemary, half of the salt, and half of the ground black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful herb butter.
- Apply Butter Rub to Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a 9-inch cast iron skillet. Rub the prepared butter mixture evenly onto the outside of each chicken piece, coating thoroughly.
- Start Roasting Chicken: Put the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven to begin roasting.
- Prepare Fig Glaze Sauce: While the chicken starts roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, and the remaining garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Glaze Chicken: After some roasting time, pull the chicken out of the oven and brush the majority of the fig glaze sauce onto each piece of chicken.
- Continue Roasting and Basting: Return the chicken to the oven. Cook the chicken for about 25 minutes total or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). Baste the chicken with the pan sauce every 10 minutes for a sticky, tender finish.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, pour the remainder of the sauce over the chicken. Let the skillet rest to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- You may choose to apply the fig glaze before roasting to avoid repeatedly removing the chicken from the oven. This method is flexible and can be adapted to your preference.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a beautifully caramelized crust on the chicken while roasting.
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