Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

The Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of fig preserves and balsamic vinegar with juicy chicken. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a cozy night in. The sticky sweet and tangy sauce makes it a standout meal that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of fig preserves and balsamic vinegar creates a unique glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal everyone will enjoy.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful caramelized chicken topped with glossy sauce looks stunning on any dinner table.
• Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers can be easily reheated and still taste delicious, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Retains heat well, ensuring even cooking and creating a nice sear on the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to easily combine ingredients for the glaze without mess.
• Whisk: Helps blend the balsamic vinegar and fig preserves smoothly for an even sauce.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 3 sprigs rosemary (destemmed and minced)
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 fryer chicken (broken into 6 or 8 pieces)
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup fig preserves

How to Make Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 °F (218 °C), setting the stage for perfectly roasted chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together:
1. Softened butter with half of the minced garlic,
2. Half of the minced rosemary,
3. Half of the salt, and
4. Half of the pepper.

Step 3: Rub Chicken with Butter

Place the chicken pieces into a 9-inch cast iron skillet. Then, rub the prepared butter mixture generously over all sides of the chicken.

Step 4: Start Roasting

Put the skillet in the oven to begin roasting. While it roasts, whisk together in another bowl:
1. Balsamic vinegar,
2. Fig preserves,
3. Remaining garlic,
4. Remaining rosemary,
5. Salt, and
6. Pepper.

Step 5: Glaze and Baste

After about 10 minutes, pull out the skillet. Brush most of the prepared sauce over the chicken pieces before placing them back in the oven. Baste with remaining sauce from the pan every 10 minutes during cooking.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Cook until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C), which should take about 25 minutes. Once done, pour any leftover sauce over the top and let it cool slightly before serving.

This Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken will surely become a favorite at your table!

How to Serve Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual get-together, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the glazed chicken.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Serve the chicken over fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa to soak up the delicious fig sauce. This adds a hearty base to your meal.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers provide a colorful and nutritious side that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.

On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting texture that balances the sticky glaze of the chicken. Add a sprinkle of herbs for extra flavor.

How to Perfect Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

Perfecting Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken involves attention to detail and some cooking tips. Follow these guidelines for an exceptional dish every time.

• Use quality ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality fig preserves make a significant difference in taste.
• Ensure even cooking: Cut the chicken pieces into uniform sizes for consistent cooking and juiciness.
• Monitor temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for food safety.
• Baste regularly: Brush the chicken with sauce every 10 minutes during roasting for enhanced flavor and moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

Pairing your Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken with complementary sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing contrast to the sweet glaze of the chicken.
4. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous infused with herbs provides a light side that pairs beautifully with rich flavors.
5. Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy spinach offers comfort alongside the savory notes of your chicken dish.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add both sweetness and texture that harmonize with fig flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure you use enough salt and pepper.
• Not preheating the oven: Cooking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before placing the chicken inside.
• Ignoring internal temperature: Undercooking chicken can be unsafe. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
• Rushing the sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a while enhances its flavor. Don’t skip this step for a more delicious glaze.
• Neglecting basting: Not basting the chicken can cause it to dry out. Be sure to baste every 10 minutes for juicy results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer-safe bags.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350 °F (175 °C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken.

What sides pair well with Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken?

Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken goes well with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad. These complements enhance the meal’s overall flavor.

Can I use other types of preserves?

Yes! You can experiment with different fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry. Each will provide a unique twist on the recipe.

How do I know when my skillet chicken is done?

The best way is to check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165 °F (74 °C) before serving.

Is Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken healthy?

This dish offers protein from the chicken and beneficial nutrients from figs and rosemary. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

Final Thoughts

Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken is an easy yet impressive dish that brings sticky sweetness and tanginess to your dinner table. Feel free to customize it by adding different herbs or side dishes based on your preferences!