Fig 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
Scale
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
