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Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

This Fig Glazed Skillet Chicken recipe combines the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar and fig preserves to create a sweet and savory glaze that perfectly complements tender roasted chicken pieces. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then roasted in a cast iron skillet and basted periodically with a luscious fig glaze to ensure juicy, flavorful results.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • ¼ cup (57 g) 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 (6 drumsticks and 2 thighs with skin on)

Fig Glaze Sauce

  • ½ cup (118 g) balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup (112 g) fig preserves

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare seasoning: Preheat your oven to 425 °F (218 °C). In a small bowl, combine the butter with half of the minced garlic, half of the minced rosemary, half of the salt, and half of the ground black pepper to create a flavorful herb butter.
  2. Season the chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a 9-inch cast iron skillet. Rub the prepared herb butter evenly on the outside of each chicken piece to infuse them with flavor and help promote browning during roasting.
  3. Start roasting the chicken: Place the skillet with the chicken into the preheated oven to begin roasting. This initial roasting helps to start cooking the chicken and crisping the skin.
  4. Prepare the fig glaze: While the chicken roasts, whisk together balsamic vinegar, fig preserves, and the remaining garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This creates a sweet and tangy glaze that will be used to baste the chicken.
  5. Glaze and roast the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush most of the fig glaze over all chicken pieces. Return the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken, basting it with the glaze in the pan every 10 minutes. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C), about 25 minutes.
  6. Finish and serve: Pour the remaining glaze over the cooked chicken. Set the skillet aside to cool slightly before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to set beautifully.

Notes

  • You can apply the fig glaze before roasting to avoid opening the oven multiple times; this will still yield delicious results.
  • Using a cast iron skillet helps retain heat well and promotes even roasting and caramelization of the glaze.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 °F (74 °C) for safe consumption.