Description
This lemony braised chicken with figs is a warm, cozy, and flavor-packed dish that balances sweet, savory, and citrusy notes. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a stunning make-ahead meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup fresh figs, halved
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Get your Dutch oven or braising pan ready on the stove.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, zest, honey, and chicken broth. Set aside.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear skin-side down until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: In the same pot, sauté sliced onion and garlic until softened. Return chicken to the pot. Pour in the broth mixture, then tuck in the thyme sprigs and fig halves.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover and transfer to the oven. Braise for 35 to 40 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes so the skin crisps slightly and the figs soften.
- Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove thyme sprigs. Spoon juices over the chicken before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
- Add figs later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Let the dish rest before serving for maximum flavor development.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, braised chicken, figs and chicken, Mediterranean chicken, fall dinner, comfort food