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Flavorful Fig Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

fig balsamic glazed chicken thighs - featured image
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A simple yet sophisticated recipe featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs glazed with a sweet-tart balsamic reduction and caramelized fresh figs, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 8 fresh figs, halved
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • Optional: fresh rosemary or sage as herb substitute

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until hot but not smoking. (3 minutes)
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Press gently with tongs or spatula for even contact. Cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. (12 minutes)
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add halved figs cut side down to the skillet, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and cook for 3-4 minutes until figs soften and brown lightly. Flip and cook another 2 minutes. (6 minutes)
  5. Add balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir gently, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer and reduce glaze for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. (5 minutes)
  6. Return chicken thighs to skillet, skin side up. Spoon glaze and figs over chicken. Add butter and thyme leaves if using. Cover loosely and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and sauce is glossy. (10 minutes)
  7. Taste glaze and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Spoon extra glaze and figs over chicken when serving. (2 minutes)

Notes

Dry chicken thoroughly before seasoning for crispy skin. Cook skin-side down first and avoid flipping too soon. Watch figs carefully to prevent burning. Reduce glaze slowly over medium heat for best flavor and texture. Add splash of water or chicken broth if glaze becomes too thick. Butter can be omitted or replaced with plant-based alternative for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig balsamic glazed chicken, caramelized figs, chicken thighs recipe, easy dinner, balsamic chicken, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/flavorful-fig-balsamic-glazed-chicken-thighs-easy-recipe-with-caramelized-figs/