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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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