Mastering Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken: A Campfire Cooking Guide Recipe
This balsamic fig glazed chicken recipe offers a deliciously tangy and sweet flavor, perfectly balancing tender chicken breasts with a rich reduction of balsamic vinegar, figs, and honey. Cooked on the stovetop for easy, quick preparation, it’s an ideal dish for both everyday meals and special occasions, garnished with fresh herbs to add a fragrant finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Approximately 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Balsamic Fig Glaze
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup figs, sliced or chopped (fresh or dried)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn to avoid bitterness.
- Make the Glaze: Pour the balsamic vinegar into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the chopped figs and honey, cooking the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens into a glaze.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to coat thoroughly with the balsamic fig glaze. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. Serve on a platter, garnished with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired for an aromatic touch.
- Optional Glaze Thickening: For a thicker glaze, continue simmering the balsamic fig mixture before adding the chicken until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Notes
- Use fresh figs if available for a more vibrant flavor; dried figs work well too but may require slightly longer simmering to soften.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Keep an eye on the garlic when sautéing to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Customize sweetness by adjusting the amount of honey in the glaze based on your preference.
- This recipe can be prepared with bone-in chicken breasts but requires longer cooking time.
Keywords: balsamic chicken, fig glaze, skillet chicken, quick dinner, balsamic vinegar chicken, honey glazed chicken, stovetop chicken, savory sweet chicken
