Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully, thanks to the natural sweetness of figs and the tang of balsamic vinegar. Chicken thighs stay incredibly moist and flavorful when pan-seared and simmered in this aromatic sauce. It all comes together in one pan with minimal prep, yet delivers restaurant-worthy flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe is a winner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
bone-in or boneless skinless chicken thighs
dried or fresh figs (halved)
red or yellow onion (thinly sliced)
garlic (minced)
balsamic vinegar
chicken broth
honey or maple syrup
fresh thyme (or dried if needed)
olive oil
salt
black pepper
optional: butter (for a richer finish)
optional: chopped parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish
Directions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add onions. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, and figs. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in chicken broth and honey. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Uncover and simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Stir in a knob of butter for extra richness, if using.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or additional thyme and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to cook. Total time: approximately 45–50 minutes.
Variations
- Use boneless chicken breasts: Reduce cooking time to avoid drying them out.
- Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Use fresh figs: When in season, fresh figs bring a luxurious texture and brighter sweetness.
- Try shallots instead of onions: For a milder, more delicate flavor.
- Add a splash of wine: Red wine can deepen the sauce—replace some of the broth if using.
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, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the figs and sauce texture but can be frozen if needed.
FAQs
Can I use dried figs?
Yes, dried figs work wonderfully. If they’re very firm, soak them in hot water for 10–15 minutes before using.
Is this dish very sweet?
It’s lightly sweet from the figs and honey, but the balsamic vinegar adds tang and balance.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, the flavors develop even more after a day. Reheat gently before serving.
What type of balsamic vinegar should I use?
Use a good-quality aged balsamic for the best flavor—avoid overly sweet or thin vinegars.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes. After searing the chicken and preparing the sauce, transfer everything to a baking dish and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
What can I serve with it?
Mashed potatoes, polenta, wild rice, or crusty bread are great options to soak up the sauce.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth and vinegar.
Can I use fig jam instead of whole figs?
You can add a tablespoon of fig jam if you don’t have figs—adjust sweetness accordingly.
Does it work with chicken drumsticks?
Yes, drumsticks work well—just increase simmering time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I add cheese?
A sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or feta at serving adds a nice creamy tang.
Conclusion
Balsamic Fig Chicken Thighs with Onions and Thyme is a beautiful balance of savory and sweet, with tender chicken nestled in a rich, herbaceous sauce. It’s elegant enough for entertaining and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you can bring bold, comforting flavors to the table in under an hour—making this a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
PrintBalsamic Fig Chicken Thighs with Onions and Thyme
Balsamic Fig Chicken Thighs with Onions and Thyme is a one-pan dish featuring juicy, pan-seared chicken simmered in a rich balsamic sauce with sweet figs, caramelized onions, garlic, and thyme. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors—ideal for cozy dinners or elegant gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup dried or fresh figs, halved
- 1 large red or yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter (for finishing)
- Optional: fresh parsley or thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Add garlic, thyme, and figs. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in chicken broth and honey. Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes on low heat.
- Uncover and simmer 5 more minutes to reduce the sauce. Stir in butter, if using.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use soaked dried figs if they’re very firm.
- Boneless chicken breasts may be used—reduce cooking time slightly.
- Fresh figs can be used when in season for extra texture and sweetness.
- Try shallots instead of onion for a milder flavor.
- A splash of red wine can add depth—replace part of the broth if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
