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Perfect Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken

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An elegant yet easy chicken recipe featuring a sweet and tangy balsamic fig glaze that creates juicy, crispy-skinned chicken perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 1 cup dried figs, chopped (or 6–8 small fresh figs, sliced)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) good-quality aged balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth to loosen glaze if needed

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Roughly chop the dried figs and thyme leaves. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook 6-8 minutes without moving until the skin is deeply golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped figs, balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme. Stir gently and simmer for 5-7 minutes until glaze thickens and figs soften. Add chicken broth if glaze is too thick.
  5. Nestle chicken thighs back into the glaze skin-side up. Spoon glaze over the top. Cover loosely and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
  6. Remove lid and increase heat to medium-high for 1-2 minutes to caramelize glaze slightly more, spooning it over the chicken.
  7. Transfer chicken to plates, drizzle extra glaze from the pan, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.

Notes

Patting chicken dry before seasoning is key for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning. Simmer glaze gently to prevent burning. Use a thermometer to check doneness. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or water to loosen glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic fig glazed chicken, easy chicken recipe, elegant dinner, chicken thighs, balsamic vinegar glaze, fig chicken recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/perfect-balsamic-fig-glazed-chicken-recipe-easy-elegant-dinner-idea/