Quick Balsamic Chicken with Figs and Red Onion Recipe

Succulent chicken takes on a rich, tangy profile when simmered with sweet balsamic chicken with figs and red onion.

The marriage of flavors in this dish creates a stunning culinary experience that dances between savory and sweet.

Deep, caramelized red onions mingle with plump, jammy figs, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to tender chicken.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients come together in a simple yet elegant preparation that feels both rustic and refined.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of robust and delicate notes that will transport you to sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes.

The combination of balsamic vinegar, soft figs, and caramelized onions transforms an ordinary chicken dinner into an extraordinary meal.

Let’s find out this recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delightful flavor journey.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Balsamic Chicken with Figs and Onion

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on cuts deliver rich flavor and juicy meat, perfect for creating a succulent main dish.
• Shredded Curly Kale: Nutrient-dense green adds texture and boosts the nutritional profile of the meal.

• Figs: Sweet, jammy fruit provides a luxurious depth and natural sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Red Onions: Adds vibrant color and a sharp, slightly sweet undertone that caramelizes beautifully.
• Shallots: Delicate and mild onion variety that brings a subtle, sophisticated flavor complexity.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a robust, foundational taste in the dish.
• Fresh Thyme: Earthy herb that infuses a delicate, woodsy note to complement the chicken.

• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat for sautéing and adding a smooth, rich base.
• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and intensifies the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy, sweet liquid that creates a glossy, complex reduction.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, zesty kick and helps emulsify the sauce.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelization (omit for Whole30).
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all other flavors.

Equipment Needed for Fig and Balsamic Chicken

• Cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan: Essential for searing chicken and creating a delicious one-pan meal.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the balsamic sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps blend mustard, honey, and balsamic vinegar into a silky sauce.
• Knife: Needed for chopping shallots, garlic, red onions, kale, and thyme.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for accurate seasoning and sauce ingredients.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Cooking Balsamic Chicken with Sweet-Savory Balance

• Oven Warmth Kitchen preparation is all about creating the right temperature. Get your oven ready at a toasty 175 degrees Celsius.
• Sizzling Start Select a sturdy cast iron skillet or heavy pan that can transition from stovetop to oven. Drizzle some olive oil and let it heat up gently.
• Chicken Magic Season those beautiful chicken thighs with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, creating a flavor foundation that will make taste buds dance.
• Golden Sear Place chicken in the hot pan, letting each side develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior. This step locks in those incredible juices and builds deep flavor profiles.
• Flavor Symphony Whisk together a magical blend of tangy mustard, sweet honey, and rich balsamic vinegar until smooth and glossy.
• Aromatic Foundation Toss in fragrant shallots and garlic, letting them soften and release their incredible aroma throughout the kitchen.
• Flavor Layers Add vibrant red onions and fresh thyme, creating a colorful and fragrant base. Pour in your balsamic mixture and chicken stock, allowing everything to mingle and develop complexity.
• Final Assembly Nestle the beautifully seared chicken back into the pan, surrounding it with luscious fig pieces and a generous drizzle of sauce.
• Oven Magic Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and let everything transform for about 35 minutes. The chicken will become tender, the figs will caramelize, and the sauce will reduce to perfection.

Flavor Notes and Tips for Fig Chicken

• Add a splash of red wine or port to intensify the balsamic sauce's depth and richness.
• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts or pork tenderloin for a delightful twist on the original recipe.
• Toss in additional seasonal vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or butternut squash to create more texture and nutrition.
• Prepare the entire dish up to step 9 the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep enthusiasts.
• Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds instead of cheese for added crunch and nutty flavor profile.

Serving Balsamic Chicken Like a Gourmet Dish

• Flavor-Packed Plate Companions: Serve this balsamic chicken alongside creamy polenta or fluffy couscous to soak up the rich, tangy sauce. The grains will perfectly complement the sweet figs and caramelized onions.
• Bright Side Boost: Add a crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chicken. The fresh greens will provide a zesty contrast to the deep, complex flavors of the main dish.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Grenache to enhance the dish's fruity and savory notes. These wines beautifully match the balsamic and fig elements, creating a delightful dining experience.
• Rustic Presentation Style: Bring the entire skillet directly to the table for a stunning, family-style presentation. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a drizzle of extra balsamic reduction to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality look.

Make-Ahead Tips for Fig and Balsamic Chicken

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe on weekends and divide into individual containers for quick weeknight meals that reheat perfectly within 3-4 minutes.
• Refrigerator Strategy: Store leftover balsamic chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping figs and sauce separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Carefully wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, which stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed and labeled with preparation date.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Warm refrigerated chicken slowly in covered oven-safe dish at 160 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes, adding splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent drying out chicken thighs.

Succulent Balsamic Chicken with Figs and Red Onion

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Savory balsamic chicken with figs and red onion delivers Mediterranean flavors bursting with richness. Tender chicken combines sweet and tangy notes, creating an elegant dish perfect for intimate dinners you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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• 6 chicken thighs (bone in, skin on)
• 5 figs (cut into halves or quarters)
• 2 medium red onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) chicken stock
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) olive oil
• 2 cups shredded curly kale
• 3 shallots (finely diced)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) honey
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml / 0.25 fl oz) dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) while gathering a large cast iron skillet and seasoning chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Sear and Develop Flavor: Warm olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, searing chicken thighs for 4 minutes per side to create a golden-brown crust, then remove and set aside.
3. Create Aromatic Base: Sauté shallots, garlic, red onions, and thyme in the same pan for 4-5 minutes, releasing deep, complex flavors and building a robust foundation for the sauce.
4. Compose Balsamic Sauce: Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and balsamic vinegar, then pour into the pan with chicken stock, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce for 4 minutes.
5. Incorporate Greens and Protein: Fold chopped kale into the sauce, return chicken thighs to the skillet, strategically place fig pieces, and drizzle with additional sauce.
6. Bake and Finish: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit).
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped thyme leaves, and present the dish warm, showcasing the rich, caramelized flavors and tender chicken.

Notes

• Chicken Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) for safe, perfectly cooked chicken without overcooking.
• Searing Technique: Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and develops rich flavor.
• Pan Selection Matters: Cast iron skillet provides optimal heat distribution and helps create a delicious caramelized sauce with enhanced depth of flavor.
• Resting Period: Allow chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring tender and succulent meat with maximum flavor retention.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg