Balsamic and Honey Chicken with Figs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a beautiful balance of bold and delicate. The balsamic vinegar adds depth and tang, honey brings natural sweetness, and the figs provide a luscious, jammy texture that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. It’s simple enough for a cozy family dinner, but sophisticated enough to serve guests. Best of all, it comes together in one pan with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• Fresh figs, halved
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (or both)
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: chicken broth or dry white wine (for deglazing)
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or crumbled goat cheese

Directions

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze and Add Sauce: Pour in balsamic vinegar and honey. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add fresh thyme or rosemary. Optional: add a splash of chicken broth or wine to loosen the sauce.
5. Return Chicken & Add Figs: Return chicken to the pan and nestle in the halved figs, cut-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the top.
6. Simmer: Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the figs are soft and jammy.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and simmer for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs, parsley, or crumbled goat cheese. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use Dried Figs: Rehydrate dried figs in warm water or wine, then add them as directed.
• Add Onions or Shallots: Sauté them with the garlic for a sweeter, more complex base.
• Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cracked black pepper.
• Creamy Finish: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or cream at the end for a silky sauce.
• Oven Method: After searing, transfer everything to a baking dish and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken slightly after chilling—add a splash of broth or water to loosen it as needed. Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of the figs.

FAQs

Can I use dried figs?

Yes, just soak them in warm water or wine for 10–15 minutes to soften before cooking.

What cut of chicken works best?

Chicken thighs are most flavorful and juicy, but breasts can be used if not overcooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats beautifully. Just store the chicken and figs in the sauce and gently reheat before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just confirm your broth and vinegar if using packaged products.

Can I make this with other fruits?

Yes! Try it with halved grapes, plums, or even pears as seasonal variations.

What should I serve with this?

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, couscous, rice, farro, or a simple green salad.

Can I roast this instead of simmering on the stovetop?

Absolutely. Sear the chicken first, then transfer everything to a baking dish and roast.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end until reduced to your liking.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

It can be! The sweetness of the honey and figs may appeal to kids, though you can reduce the balsamic if needed.

Can I add nuts or cheese?

Yes. Toasted walnuts or pine nuts add crunch, and a crumble of goat or feta cheese adds creamy contrast.

Conclusion

Balsamic and Honey Chicken with Figs is a dish that delivers on both flavor and presentation—sweet, savory, tender, and beautifully balanced. It’s the kind of recipe that feels luxurious without being complicated, perfect for seasonal dinners or impressing your guests with minimal effort. One bite and you’ll be hooked on the magic of figs and balsamic-glazed chicken.

Balsamic and Honey Chicken with Figs

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Balsamic and Honey Chicken with Figs is a rustic, sweet-and-savory dish featuring juicy chicken simmered in a balsamic-honey glaze with jammy fresh figs. It’s simple yet elegant, ideal for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts
2. 1 cup fresh figs, halved
3. 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
4. 2 tbsp honey
5. 2 tbsp olive oil
6. 3 garlic cloves, minced
7. 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (or both)
8. Salt and black pepper to taste
9. Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine (for deglazing)
10. Optional garnish: chopped parsley or crumbled goat cheese

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Instructions

Season chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides.

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Lower heat to medium. Add more oil if needed and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in balsamic vinegar and honey. Stir and scrape up any browned bits. Add thyme or rosemary and optional broth or wine.
4. Return chicken to the pan and nestle figs cut-side up around it. Spoon sauce over the top.
5. Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and figs are soft.
6. Remove lid and simmer a few more minutes to thicken sauce if desired. Garnish and serve hot.

Notes

• Dried figs can be used if rehydrated in warm water or wine first.
• For a richer flavor, add shallots or onions to the garlic sauté step.
• To roast, transfer to a 375°F (190°C) oven after searing and bake 20–25 minutes.
• Pairs well with couscous, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with figs and sauce
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg