Fig Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
Fig Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a savory twist. This dish is simple to prepare yet impressive enough for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup fig preserves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the fig preserves, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth to create the glaze.
- Step 4: Brush a generous amount of the fig balsamic glaze over the seared chicken thighs on both sides.
- Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has thickened to a sticky finish.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the fig glaze for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Substitute fresh figs finely chopped if fig preserves are not available.
- Add a splash of honey to the glaze for additional sweetness.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and glaze to a baking dish before baking.
Storage
Store leftover chicken thighs covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to maintain the glaze’s texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent the glaze from becoming too runny.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be shorter and the meat may be less juicy. Keep a close eye while baking to avoid drying out.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
Searing the chicken first helps develop a crispy skin and seals in the juices, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
PrintFig Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Fig Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs perfectly seared and baked with a sweet and tangy fig and balsamic glaze. Infused with garlic and optionally garnished with fresh thyme, this dish balances rich flavors and makes for an impressive yet easy meal suitable for weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Glaze:
- 1/3 cup fig preserves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the fig preserves, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Apply Glaze: Brush the fig balsamic glaze generously over the seared chicken thighs, coating both skin and exposed meat.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the glaze has thickened into a sticky coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired to add an aromatic herbal note. Serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to ensure moistness and flavor.
- If you do not have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be substituted, but add it to the glaze mixture before baking.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of fig preserves to your taste.
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to sear and bake in the same pan, reducing cleanup.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
Keywords: chicken thighs, fig glaze, balsamic vinegar, baked chicken, easy dinner, savory and sweet chicken, poultry recipe
