Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood over the stove, the enticing aroma of my Sticky Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken wafted through the kitchen, drawing my family in like moths to a flame. There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet fig preserves and tangy balsamic vinegar, creating a glaze that not only coats tender chicken thighs but also transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a special occasion. This recipe stands out for its effortless preparation and healthy profile—perfect for those evenings when you want something impressive yet easy to whip up. Whether you serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a warm grain salad, this dish will surely become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this flavorful feast! Why is Balsamic Fig Chicken a Must-Try? Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet fig preserves and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a luscious glaze that elevates the humble chicken to gourmet status. Quick and Easy: With simple instructions and just under an hour, you can serve up a stunning dish without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights! Versatile Ingredients: This recipe allows for easy substitutions, so you can tailor it to your pantry—feel free to swap in chicken breasts or different preserves. Health-Conscious: Low-carb and gluten-free, this dish is packed with flavor without the guilt. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress family and friends with this visually stunning dish—they won’t believe how easy it was! After enjoying this, you might want to explore other favorites like Garlic Parmesan Chicken or Honey BBQ Chicken. Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Main protein in this dish, known for their tenderness; can substitute with bone-in thighs, increasing cooking time by 20 minutes. • Kosher Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings; they enhance the overall flavor of the chicken. For the Glaze • Unsalted Butter – Used to sauté shallots, adding richness; you can substitute with extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil for a healthier option. • Shallot – Provides a lovely aromatic flavor; finely diced for even cooking; red or white onions can be used as a substitute if needed. • Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds depth of flavor; alternatively, you can use jarred or powdered garlic if in a pinch. • Fig Preserves – The star of the glaze, delivering delightful sweetness; feel free to swap with fig jam, apricot preserves, or orange marmalade. • Honey – Enhances the glaze with its natural sweetness, balancing the tanginess perfectly. • Balsamic Vinegar – Gives the glaze its signature tang; you can use red wine vinegar as a substitution if desired. • Fresh Thyme – Adds an earthy note both during cooking and as a garnish; rosemary is a lovely alternative. For the Garnish • Chopped Walnuts – Optional for a crunchy texture; can be omitted if you have nut allergies. • Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese – Adds a creamy and tangy finish; can be replaced with goat cheese or feta, or omitted altogether. This Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken offers a taste experience that redefines weeknight dinners—easy, delicious, and filled with rich flavors that resonate! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken Step 1: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, grab an 8×8 baking dish and lightly coat it with non-stick spray. This ensures your Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken won’t stick while roasting, making cleanup a breeze. Step 2: Make Glaze In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, sauté 1 finely diced shallot until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring for another minute before incorporating 1 cup of fig preserves, 2 tablespoons of honey, ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, and a sprig of fresh thyme. Simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes until it reduces by half and thickens. Step 3: Prep Chicken While the glaze simmers, pat 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re evenly spaced for optimal cooking. Step 4: Coat Chicken Once the glaze has thickened, pour it evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Add a few additional thyme sprigs over the top for flavor. This will create a sticky and delicious glaze for your Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken. Step 5: Roast Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven and roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes. Baste the chicken with the glaze halfway through to enhance flavor. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the glaze is bubbling. Step 6: Serve After removing the dish from the oven, let the Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken rest for 5 minutes. For an extra touch, broil it on high for 3-4 minutes if you prefer a caramelized finish. Finally, garnish with fresh thyme, optional chopped walnuts, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese before serving warm. Expert Tips for Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken Smoother Glaze: Use an immersion blender after cooking the glaze for a silky texture that clings perfectly to the chicken. Mind the Broiler: Keep a close eye on the broiler during the final browning step to prevent burning—3–4 minutes is usually sufficient. Cooking Time Caution: If you opt for bone-in chicken thighs, remember to add an additional 20 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked. Flavor Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different preserves based on what you have on hand, like apricot preserves, to give your Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken a unique twist. Resting Period: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking; this helps retain moisture, ensuring a tender bite with every forkful. Garnish for Crunch: Don’t skip the walnuts! They add a delightful crunch, but omit them if allergies are a concern. What to Serve with Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken Elevate your dinner experience with delightful sides that balance flavors and textures, transforming an already delicious chicken into a full meal. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes provides a comforting contrast to the sweet and tangy glaze, making every bite heavenly. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp-tender Brussels sprouts roasted with balsamic vinegar mirror the glaze, enhancing the dish’s overall depth of flavor. Wild Rice Pilaf: The nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice add a wholesome element, perfectly soaking up the delicious juices from the chicken. Fresh Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with a light vinaigrette brings freshness to the meal, cutting through the richness of the chicken and providing a vibrant color contrast. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans with a sprinkle of sea salt maintain their crunch and provide a bright counterpart to the sticky chicken. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet, caramelized carrots harmonize with the fig preserves’ sweetness, creating a symphony of flavors that will please your taste buds. Garlic Bread: Gooey, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover glaze, making every meal an indulgent affair. Sangria: A refreshing sangria filled with seasonal fruits can offer a fruity complement to the savory chicken, creating a balance that feels festive. Chocolate Fondue: For dessert, a sharing-friendly chocolate fondue with fresh fruits is a sweet finish that complements the dish without being overwhelming. Make Ahead Options These Sticky Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken thighs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance by cooking it, letting it cool, and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can season the chicken and place it in the baking dish, ready to go in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the prepped glaze over the chicken and bake as directed; it will be just as delicious! This thoughtful meal prep approach saves you time on busy weeknights, transforming your dinner into an effortless gourmet experience. Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken Variations Feel free to explore various twists on this delicious dish that cater to your taste buds and pantry! Lean Option: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a lighter dish, reducing cooking time slightly. Your glaze will still be the star, enhancing the leaner protein beautifully. Fresh Fig Addition: Toss in diced fresh figs along with the chicken for a delightful pop of flavor and a hint of natural sweetness. Imagine the contrast of fresh bites against the sticky glaze—it’s pure culinary magic! Alternate Preserves: Use apricot preserves or orange marmalade instead of fig preserves for a bright, citrusy twist. Each variation offers a new taste experience that can transport you from your kitchen to a different flavor territory! Herbal Infusion: Swap fresh thyme for fresh rosemary in the glaze for a more robust, aromatic punch. It adds an exciting, earthy tone that can elevate your chicken to new heights. Spicy Kick: For a heat boost, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. This will create an unexpected yet delightful kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts if you’re allergic or simply not in the mood for crunch. You could replace them with toasted sunflower seeds for a different texture that still adds a satisfying bite! Cheese Variety: Try substituting crumbled Gorgonzola with feta or goat cheese for a slightly tangy finish that complements the glaze perfectly. Each cheese brings a unique flavor profile that can change the entire dish. Vegetarian Twist: Make an exquisite vegetarian version by substituting chicken for hearty cauliflower steaks or portobello mushrooms. The glaze will shine just as brightly and delight any dinner guest! With these options, the world of flavors is your playground! And if you’re craving more delicious chicken recipes, don’t miss out on our Sesame Chicken Healthy or treat yourself to the sweet and savory notes in a plate of Hawaiian Chicken Sheet. Storage Tips for Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken Fridge: Store any leftover Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps it fresh and flavorful for quick meals. Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken for 1-2 months. Make sure to wrap it securely or place it in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat your chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to dry it out. Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right figs for my glaze? Absolutely! When selecting figs for your glaze, opt for fresh figs that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Look for dark purple or green figs without dark spots or wrinkles, which indicate overripeness. If using fig preserves, choose high-quality brands that list figs as the first ingredient for the best flavor. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftover Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Can I freeze Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken? If so, how? Certainly! To freeze your Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken, allow it to cool completely after cooking. Then, wrap each piece tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. What should I do if my glaze is too thick or too thin? If your glaze turns out too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of water, balsamic vinegar, or even chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reduces and thickens to your liking. Remember, the glaze should nicely coat the chicken without running off! Are there any allergy considerations with this dish? Yes, if there are allergies to consider, be mindful of the nuts and dairy in this recipe. Chopped walnuts and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese are optional garnishes; feel free to omit or substitute with a dairy-free option to accommodate allergies. Always check ingredient labels for gluten if you’re serving someone with gluten intolerance; all components can easily be found in gluten-free alternatives. Can I adjust this recipe for a larger or smaller serving? Very! This Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken recipe is quite flexible. To adjust for larger servings, simply increase the number of chicken thighs and scale the glaze ingredients accordingly, keeping in mind that you may need an additional baking dish or cooking time. For smaller portions, you can easily halve the ingredients while ensuring the cooking time remains about the same. Happy cooking! Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight Discover the delightful blend of sweet fig preserves and tangy balsamic vinegar in this Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken recipe. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 4 piecesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 325 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Can substitute with bone-in thighs, increasing cooking time by 20 minutes.to taste Kosher Saltto taste Black PepperFor the Glaze2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can substitute with extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil.1 piece Shallot Finely diced, can substitute with red or white onions.2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic adds depth.1 cup Fig Preserves Can swap with fig jam, apricot preserves, or orange marmalade.2 tablespoons Honey¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar Can use red wine vinegar as a substitution.1 sprig Fresh Thyme Rosemary can be used as an alternative.For the Garnishto taste Chopped Walnuts Optional, can be omitted if allergic.to taste Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese Can be replaced with goat cheese or feta. Equipment 8×8 baking dishMedium Saucepannon-stick spray Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat an 8x8 baking dish with non-stick spray.Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté 1 finely diced shallot until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring for another minute before incorporating 1 cup of fig preserves, 2 tablespoons of honey, ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, and a sprig of fresh thyme. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until reduced by half.Pat 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish.Pour the thickened glaze evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Add a few thyme sprigs over the top.Transfer to the oven and roast for 35-40 minutes. Baste halfway through. It's done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Optionally broil for 3-4 minutes for a caramelized finish. Garnish with thyme, walnuts, and Gorgonzola cheese before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.5mg NotesFor smooth glaze, use an immersion blender after cooking. Monitor broiler closely to prevent burning. If using bone-in chicken thighs, increase cooking time by an additional 20 minutes. Allow chicken to rest to retain moisture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!