Balsamic Fig Glaze Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Protein
01 -
6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
→ Base Seasonings
02 -
Kosher salt to taste
03 -
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
→ Glaze
04 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
05 -
1 medium shallot, finely diced (about 3 heaping tablespoons)
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
340g (12 oz) fig preserves
08 -
2 tablespoons honey
09 -
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
10 -
5 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
→ Optional Garnish
11 -
60g (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts
12 -
60g (1/2 cup) crumbled gorgonzola cheese
13 -
Additional fresh thyme sprigs
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Spray a 20x20cm (8x8 inch) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
02 -
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add fig preserves, honey, balsamic vinegar and one sprig of thyme. Increase heat to bring mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced by half, about 10-12 minutes. Remove and discard the thyme sprig.
03 -
For a smoother glaze, use an immersion blender or transfer mixture to a stand blender and purée until smooth.
04 -
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken in the prepared baking dish so they fit snugly. Spoon the reduced glaze over the chicken, using the back of a spoon to evenly coat. Add the 4 remaining sprigs of thyme to the dish.
05 -
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting once during cooking, until juices run clear and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
06 -
For more golden brown chicken, switch oven to broil during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
07 -
Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, chopped walnuts and crumbled gorgonzola if desired before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
The fig glaze creates a deliciously sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken during roasting.
02 -
For a more intense flavor, let the chicken marinate in some of the glaze for 1-2 hours before cooking.