Chicken with Figs and Olives Recipe

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Here’s a deliciously simple chicken with figs recipe that uses only a handful of other ingredients that make this one of my new favorite ways to bake chicken. 

The chicken is seasoned with balsamic vinegar, figs, olives. and other wonderful flavors used in Italian cooking.

Ingredients for this Balsamic Fig Chicken Recipe

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

• whole chicken (cut in parts)
• olive oil
• balsamic vinegar
• garlic
• dried figs
• olives
• onion
• parsley

It’s super easy to make because you literally just mix all the ingredients (except onions) in a bowl. For the marinade/mixture, cut up the chicken if it isn’t already, place the onion on the bottom, place the chicken over top the onions then pour the fig and balsamic mixture over the chicken.

Cover, and bake in the oven at 375F for approximately 45 minutes or until the thickest parts read 165F. 

I’ve broken it down in steps visually to show how easy it is:

How to Make This Balsamic Fig Chicken Recipe

Here are the steps for making my balsamic fig chicken. I’ve used this recipe for holidays and when I wanted a flavorful chicken dish. Specific measurements are in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Place raw chopped onion in pan

Step 2: Place chicken parts on top

Step 3: Create fig and olive mixture

Step 4: Spread mixture on top of chicken

Step 5: Bake in oven and serve!

Can You Roast a Whole Chicken and not Cut in Parts?

Yes and I’m sure it would taste just as good.  However, if you use a whole chicken I would try to put as much mixture as you can under the skin to help the flavor soak into the meat.   

I would also recommend basting the chicken with the balsamic fig dressing throughout the roasting process. 

I prefer cooking the chicken in parts for dishes like this, similar to chicken cacciatore, it is in my opinion quicker (once the parts are cut), and the flavor of the marinade penetrates the chicken meat more evenly.

What Kind of Figs and Where can I Get Them?

I used dried Turkish figs in this recipe.  I could have used mission figs as well, but I think the Turkish figs have a better flavor for the chicken. 

You can purchase them in local grocery stores near the nut section.  But there are places that you can order online.  One place we like to order from a place in Michigan called Country Life Natural Foods.   

What Kind of Olives Should be Used?

I contemplated using both green spanish olives as well as kalamata olives, but opted for just the kalamata olives.   I love the flavor of spanish olives (the kind you use in a martini), and I will make it again using those olives to mix it up next time.

Similar Chicken Recipes

Here are some similar recipes you may also enjoy.

Without further delay, here’s the recipe!