Balsamic Fig Chicken

Balsamic fig chicken feels a little indulgent but is super easy to make in one pan! Balsamic glaze and chicken stock swoop up the delicious crispy bits and drippings left over by the bacon, infusing it with smokiness. The figs soften to become jammy and honey-like, making everything delicious, sticky, slightly fruity, and savory-sweet with a little tang.

Balsamic fig chicken is an impressive and special dinner that’s super easy to make. With rich and flavorful ingredients such as figs, bacon, and balsamic glaze, this dish combines chicken, mushrooms, and figs to create a truly special taste.

The magic happens when figs and balsamic come together as a delicious duo. The contrasting flavors complement each other: the tangy acidity of the balsamic balances the natural, honey-like sweetness of the figs. The figs caramelize while the balsamic adds depth. Richness meets freshness, so it’s bright, a bit acidic, and sweet, all at the same time!

Ingredients notes

Fig is not an every day ingredient, and their short season means that cooking with them feels a bit like an extravagance. This recipe feels really special, yet it’s simple, calling for mostly kitchen staples. This is what you need:

Figs : Grab some fresh green figs!
Chicken stock : Make your own stock with our simple recipe, or use a store-bought one.
Other ingredients : Bone-in chicken thighs, cremini mushrooms, marsala wine, and balsamic glaze.
To serve : Fresh cracked pepper, figs, and fresh parsley.

Looking down on Balsamic Fig Chicken in a pan. - 2

Cooking with figs

Figs are not a common everyday ingredient, so cooking with them adds a touch of decadence. They maintain their natural sweetness while adding a complex flavor and offering a jammy texture. Here are some notes to keep in mind when selecting and preparing your figs:

Fig season: Depending on where in the world you are and the climate, fig season will vary. Generally speaking, figs tend to be a late summer and fall fruit. If in doubt, check with the produce vendors at your local farmer’s market.
Selecting figs: Check out the farmer’s market or your local supermarket for fresh figs! You’ll want green figs for this dish. So what do you look for in the perfect fig? The skin will be a light green to yellowish color, and it should look plump and free from bruises and wrinkles. If you push your thumb down, it should yield slightly but maintain its firmness.
Preparing your fig: There is no need to skin your fig – the skins soften up in the cooking process. Just trim the stem off, cut them in half, then cut once more to quarter them.

What to serve with balsamic fig chicken

The pan sauces from balsamic fig chicken are like liquid gold, so you’re going to want to serve your chicken next to dishes that soak up the delectable savory-sweet sauce! Let the sauce ooze into some fluffy basmati rice , cauliflower rice , crispy roasted potatoes , or sour cream and chive mashed potatoes .

Serve it beside some delicious veggies or a crisp salad to round out the meal. Make some honey roasted carrots , seared brussels sprouts , or roasted broccoli . A kale salad or arugula wild rice salad with goat cheese provide a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the chicken.

Enjoy some coconut fig squares for dessert!

Can I make this with another cut of chicken?

Bone in, boneless, skin on, skinless, chicken thighs, or chicken breasts – there are so many options when it comes to cooking chicken! We enjoy this recipe with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, but you can certainly use breasts or similar in a pinch. Just be aware that cooking times will vary depending on the meat you use. Chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I make this balsamic fig chicken with black figs or dried figs?

Black figs are higher in sugar making them sweeter. While you can use them in a pinch, your final result will be a sweeter dish. You may want to reduce the amount of balsamic glaze, adding more gradually to taste, to compensate for the sweeter fig. The same goes for dried figs – they have a more concentrated sweetness and chewy texture. You can soften them by soaking them in warm water directly before cooking.

Can I make this with fig jam or fig preserves?

You could use fig jam in a pinch and still have a dish with fantastic flavors. After browning the mushrooms, add the fig jam to the pan along with the marsala wine and balsamic glaze. It’ll reduce to a rich, sticky sauce, but the final result will be sweeter, depending on the flavor of the jam you use. You’d want to use around a ⅓ -¼ cup of jam, but it will vary depending on the sweetness level of the fig jam you opt for.

How do I store leftover balsamic fig chicken?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also store it in a freezer-proof container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge the day before reheating.

What else can I make with figs?

If you find yourself with leftover figs, make a delicious and versatile bourbon fig jam , or whip up some coconut fig squares for a sweet treat.