Chicken Recipe: Figs and Wine Sauce Delight
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’re making a mouth-watering chicken dish that is sure to become a family favorite: Chicken with Fresh Figs and Wine Sauce. This recipe is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with tender chicken breasts and succulent fresh figs braised in a red wine sauce.
But why stop at just chicken and figs? We’ll be infusing this dish with aromatic rosemary, sweet paprika, and tangy balsamic vinegar for an irresistible flavor profile that you won’t soon forget. And for those who like a bit of heat, we’ll be dusting the chicken with black pepper for just the right amount of kick.
If you’re looking for a gourmet meal that is both easy to prepare and incredibly impressive, then this fig-studded chicken recipe is just what you need. And with simple substitutions and variations that we’ll cover later on, you can easily tailor the dish to your liking. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and sophisticated recipe that is also easy to make? Look no further than this exquisite Chicken With Fresh Figs and Wine Sauce Recipe! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with the results.
What makes this recipe so special is the wonderful combination of flavors and textures. The figs add a sweet and subtle taste that complements the savory chicken perfectly. The wine sauce, made with red wine and balsamic vinegar, gives the dish a rich depth of flavor with just the right amount of tanginess.
But that’s not all! This recipe also includes aromatic fresh rosemary, sweet paprika, and olive oil, which blend together seamlessly to create a mouth-watering aroma that will fill your kitchen. And don’t forget about the goat cheese! Its creamy texture and tangy flavor add even more complexity to this fantastic dish.
Plus, this Chicken With Fresh Figs and Wine Sauce Recipe has endless variations. You can roast chicken with figs or braise chicken in wine for even more delectable results. The best part? This recipe is so versatile it can be served for a date night, a dinner party or just a cozy night at home with your family.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never cooked with figs before or if you’re an expert, this recipe will leave you feeling like a true chef. So go ahead, take a chance, and try out this amazing Chicken With Fresh Figs and Wine Sauce Recipe tonight – I guarantee it will become one of your favorite dishes!
Ingredient List
Here is everything you need to prepare this delicious chicken with fresh figs and wine sauce recipe:
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 8 to 12 oz. fresh figs, halved
- 1/2 cup of quality balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup of red wine (a fruity or spicy one would work best)
- 2 to 3 skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
- Fresh rosemary (about 2 sprigs), chopped
- 2 tsp. of honey
- A pinch or two of black pepper
- Strips of lemon zest (from a lemon)
Note that you can use dried figs in this dish, but fresh figs are much preferred. The tough stems should be removed before slicing them in half.
With these ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up a juicy, tangy meal that’s sure to impress your guests.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Figs
- Take a chicken breast (skinless and boneless) and coat it with olive oil on both sides.
- Sprinkle some salt, black pepper, paprika, and fresh rosemary on top of the chicken.
- Cut fresh figs into thin slices and place them on top of the chicken.
Step 2: Roast the Chicken and Figs
- Place the chicken with figs onto a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Wine Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add finely minced shallots to the melted butter and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Pour ½ cup of red wine into the pot, followed by 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step 4: Assemble Your Dish
- Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
- On your serving board, lay down some fresh, cleaned arugula or spinach to start building your plate.
- Lay the rested chicken atop, then drizzle honey over it all.
- Drizzle wine sauce on top of everything…and VOILA!
Enjoy a deliciously juicy balsamic fig glazed chicken dish served with fresh greens!
Substitutions and Variations
If you feel like making some changes to the recipe, here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Wine: If you are not a fan of red wine, white wine is a great alternative. You can also choose to use Marsala wine or port wine for richer flavor. If you want to make the recipe alcohol-free, you can substitute wine with grape juice or chicken broth.
– Figs: Fresh figs are used in this recipe, but you can also use dried figs if fresh ones are not available. Soak the dried figs in hot water for about 10 minutes before using them in the recipe. You can also try substituting figs with grapes or dates for a similar sweet taste.
– Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts are used in this recipe, but you can also use other parts of the chicken such as chicken thighs or drumsticks. You can even stuff the chicken breast with fig jam for added sweetness.
– Balsamic vinegar: If you do not have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider or red wine vinegar. However, keep in mind that it will affect the overall flavor of the dish.
– Vegetables: You can add different vegetables to the recipe such as onions, squash, or bell peppers for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients.
Keep in mind that different substitutions may alter the overall taste and texture of the dish. Make sure to adjust seasonings and cooking time when trying out substitutions.
Serving and Pairing
This fig chicken recipe is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed both for regular weeknight meals and special occasions. The unique blend of flavors in the dish makes it a great pairing option for a variety of wines.
For a classic pairing, I’d recommend serving this dish with a fruity red wine like Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The wine’s bold and tangy notes complement the sweetness of the balsamic fig sauce and the richness of the chicken breasts perfectly.
If white wine is your preference, you can try serving this dish with a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These crisp and refreshing wines have a subtle sweetness that can enhance the flavors of the chicken and figs without overpowering them.
If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, you can enjoy this fig chicken recipe with sparkling water or lemonade. The effervescence of the water or the citrusy notes in lemonade can balance out the richness of the chicken and make it a perfect summer meal.
For the ideal side dishes, you may want to consider garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potato wedges. These hearty companions add depth to this already flavorful dish while balancing out your plate with added nutrition.
If you’re looking for something lighter, then grilled vegetables like squash, asparagus or cherry tomatoes could also work well as an accompaniment due to their freshness that complements well with the rich deliciousness of this fig chicken.
Oh boy! This Chicken Fig recipe is just amazing! It’s like having a party in your mouth! So whether it’s for an intimate dinner or family get-together, know that this fig chicken entrée made with fresh rosemary, sweet paprika plus fresh figs steeped in balsamic vinegar will always impress!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to save time on the day of your meal, you can make this delectable fig chicken ahead of time. The flavors will meld together beautifully if you leave it in the fridge for a day or two. For best results, store the chicken and fig sauce separately, covered with cling film or stored in an airtight container.
When reheating the chicken, we recommend using a microwave or oven. Simply place your chicken in a microwave-safe dish or baking tray and add a splash of water. Cover the dish with cling wrap or foil and then pop it in the oven/microwave to reheat until it’s hot all the way through.
Remember not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken. Check and see if it’s heated through before serving.
This recipe also freezes well. You can freeze both the chicken breasts and the fig sauce separately for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw in your fridge overnight before reheating as instructed above.
Whether you’re storing, reheating, or preparing this fig chicken recipe ahead of time, having a game plan will significantly lighten your workload on cooking day. So go ahead and make things easier for yourself without sacrificing any of the delicious taste!
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the perfect, succulent braised chicken with fresh figs and wine sauce may seem like a daunting task, but with these tips, it will become a breeze.
First, before cooking the chicken breasts or thighs, be sure to season them well with salt and black pepper. A sprinkle of sweet paprika also adds depth of flavor to the dish.
To prevent the chicken from drying out while cooking, it’s best to sear it in olive oil over high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. This will help lock in the moisture and give it a beautifully golden brown crust.
When handling the fresh figs, remember to remove any tough stems and cut them into quarters. If you cannot find fresh figs, substitute with dried ones that have been rehydrated in water or red wine.
For a richer flavor profile, use a full-bodied red wine such as Frank Family Port Wine or one that pairs well with figs like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Adding a quality balsamic vinegar can lend a tangy sweetness to the dish as well.
If you prefer a thicker sauce consistency, try adding butter or flour during the cooking process. Alternatively, reducing the sauce over low heat can also help thicken it.
Lastly, to give your dish an added visual appeal and flavor boost, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or crumbled goat cheese on top. Trust me; your guests won’t be able to resist this delightful dish!
FAQ
Now that you have mastered making the chicken with fresh figs and wine sauce recipe, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions. These tips and tricks will help make sure your dish comes out perfect every time. Let’s get started!
What wine goes with fresh figs?
Prosecco and Pinot Grigio are great wine choices to accompany figs at their freshest.
What meat goes with figs?
When it comes to pairing meats, gamey and rich cuts are always a challenge, but adding naturally sweet figs to the equation can elevate the flavors to a new level. Figs are known to perfectly complement dark meats, such as duck and quail, as well as salty and cured meats like prosciutto. Even the rich lamb cutlets can be further enhanced with the addition of figs.
Can fresh figs be cooked?
One way to enjoy figs is to consume them in their raw form. Drizzle honey on top of them and sprinkle some toasted nuts, followed by a dollop of clotted cream. Alternatively, you can relish them in a salad, paired with Parma ham or goat cheese, and a handful of rocket. To cook figs, try grilling them for two to three minutes after halving them. You can also roast the whole fruit for around 8 to 12 minutes, or poach the whole figs for approximately 5 to 8 minutes. If raw figs aren’t up to your liking, you can also snack on dried figs or use them as an ingredient in baking recipes.
What goes with fresh figs?
Fig fruit has a versatile flavor profile that complements various ingredients. For instance, it pairs well with cheese, such as goat cheese and blue cheese. It also goes well with bacon and prosciutto and can be coupled with fruits such as pears, oranges, peaches, and raspberries. Figs also complement well with red wine, balsamic vinegar, sherry vinegar, honey, phyllo pastry, caramel, vanilla, black pepper, olive oil, rosemary, cinnamon, cardamom, as well as nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts.
Bottom Line
This Chicken with Fresh Figs and Wine Sauce Recipe is a must-try for all food enthusiasts who are looking for something new and exciting to add to their culinary repertoire. The combination of sweet fresh figs, bold red wine, and aromatic herbs make it an irresistible dish that you will want to make again and again.
With its endless variety of serving options and wine pairing suggestions, this recipe will give you the opportunity to show off your cooking skills and impress your guests at any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Gather up the ingredients, put on an apron, and get ready to cook up something amazing that will leave everyone begging for more.
Whether you are a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is versatile enough to be adapted to your specific taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Simply swap out ingredients or substitute accordingly to create a one-of-a-kind meal that fits your every need.
In conclusion, this Chicken with Fresh Figs and Wine Sauce Recipe is perfect for those who crave the bold flavors and distinctive textures that only a truly great dish can provide. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor this delightful flavor combination and make lasting culinary memories with family and friends. So go ahead, take the plunge, and discover why this dish is sure to become your new favorite chicken recipe!
Chicken With Fresh Figs and Wine Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 20 fresh figs, halved
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, coarsely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups red wine
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp paprika, salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large pan. Add chicken breasts and brown both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
- Add wine and figs, and sprinkle rosemary and remaining 1/2 tsp paprika on top. Turn heat to medium, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 12-15 minutes. Move chicken from pan to a plate, and let it rest covered.
- Let the wine and fig sauce reduce without a cover for an additional 5 minutes, until thickened. Divide chicken breasts among plates, and pour sauce on top.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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