Feels Fancy Figgy Chicken Recipe (2024)

Feels Fancy Figgy Chicken is my new go-to dish when I need to make something on the quick, but I want it to feel a little fancy. Sweet caramelized shallots, sticky dried figs, fresh thyme, and bourbon vanilla - it FEELS fancy! But it's really just a simple chicken dish you can whip up anytime.

This post is sponsored by Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. All opinions, the original recipe, and photos are my own.

Remember that time I made One Garlic Chicken Thighs with Broccoli and you guys went wild? Everyone loves an easy recipe and this Feels Fancy Figgy Chicken is no exception.

I wanted a recipe that comes together quickly (and doesn't bust the bank!), but at the same time makes people think you are a rock star in the kitchen.

This is that.

I imagine that somewhere in this world there are people that are 100% cool with unexpected guests. Maybe you have friends and neighbors that just drop by, mosey over with a glass of wine that turns into opening a bottle to share while you chat, and then you think Hey! Let's share a meal!

Is this a thing? Or is this like something I made up in my head in my 20's when Desperate Housewives was still on TV?

Those women were ALWAYS just running over to each other's houses, showing up any hour of any day, and loitering like there's no place to be.

I do not live in the 'y'all just come on by' world. I need time to move the stacks of folded clothes off the arm of the couch, get all the things that have accumulated on the kitchen island OFF of it, and a solid 20 minutes to sweep up dog hair.

If you don't give me a heads up and I have no time to clean the bathroom before you roll up at my house?

I might not forgive you.

Like once we hosted a holiday here and Chad's cute little grandma showed up an hour early, while I still needed to make a last-minute grocery store run, and I was definitely still in my sweats not wearing a bra.

Oh! And she had 2 unexpected guests in tow. Still not over it.

Whether you are in a rush because of life, or just a rush because people show up with no warning looking to be fed, this Feels Fancy Figgy Chicken recipe is the answer.

There are a few things you'll need to make this chicken dish. Most of them I try to keep on hand all the time.

Wine, chicken broth, shallots (or sweet onions), balsamic vinegar, and chicken thighs with the skin on are pretty much staples around here. Dried figs are next on the list.

I almost always have them handy because they keep forever and I love dried fruit. If you have to run out and buy them, I can always find dried figs in my produce department. Grab some fresh thyme while you're there.

The real star of this show is the Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, and trust me when I say this needs to live in your pantry forever and always.

I love it in cookies and cakes, but it gives this Feels Fancy Figgy Chicken a depth of flavor that you can't get anywhere else. (I always order this online, but you can find a local retailer here)

When you are making festive recipes, especially with simple dishes, using pure, quality ingredients with rich flavor profiles [such as Nielsen-Massey Vanillas] is crucial.

Feels Fancy Figgy Chicken Recipe (5)

This is super easy. Ready? You are just going to crisp up the skin on those chicken thighs, set them aside for a minute, caramelize your shallots and then add all your other ingredients to the same oven-safe pan, simmer, add back the chicken, bake, and serve.

The sauce is great over creamy garlic mashed potatoes, but if you aren't looking to get another pot dirty you can throw a sheet of quick veggies to roast (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans) in the oven for the last 10 minutes the chicken is cooking.

This dish looks impressive, keeps the mess to a minimum, and is really an all-around hit!

You can follow Nielsen Massey Vanillas on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram(my personal fave), or on their website (where you can find more fab-o recipes).

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Feels Fancy Figgy Chicken Recipe (6)

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Feels Fancy Figgy Chicken Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to make chicken more flavorful? ›

Add a touch of spice to your chicken breast by combining paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic and olive oil to create a paste. Then cover your chicken breast with the paste and pat down to secure.

What makes chicken taste good? ›

The reaction of cysteine and sugar can lead to characteristic meat flavour specially for chicken and pork. Volatile compounds including 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, 2-furfurylthiol, methionol, 2,4,5-trimethyl-thiazole, nonanol, 2-trans-nonenal, and other compounds have been identified as important for the flavour of chicken.

How do you make chicken breast not taste like chicken? ›

Marinate them.

If you're cooking chicken breasts without skin or fat, infuse them with some extra flavor and liquid to keep them tender. Choose your favorite marinade and throw them in a ziploc bag with the marinade. Marinate them overnight before grilling, baking, or searing. The difference is uncanny.

What is the easiest part of the chicken to cook? ›

Boneless chicken breasts are a go-to because they cook quickly, faster than chicken thighs and bone-in chicken breasts. They're often found skinless, which makes them leaner than their bone-in counterpart, which usually comes with the skin on.

What spices enhance the flavor of chicken? ›

5 best spice and herbs blends for chicken and meat
  • Paprika and garlic powder. Paprika is a great spice that makes any chicken dish stand out, it comes in many forms sweet, hot, regular and smoky. ...
  • Basil and rosemary. ...
  • Ginger and lemongrass. ...
  • Turmeric and chili. ...
  • Coriander and cumin.

What should you season chicken with? ›

Aside from classics like salt, pepper, basil and garlic, you could try using chilli powder, ginger, cumin, cayenne, paprika, oregano, sage, rosemary and thyme.

How to make your chicken juicy? ›

Getting a good sear through medium high heat, then reducing the heat to LOW and COVERING the chicken while it cooks. The butter, oil, and chicken juices create a super flavorful liquid that acts as a way to steam the chicken at a low temperature, ensuring that it is moist & tender on the inside.

Why is my chicken not tasty? ›

To taste good, chicken must be cooked on the bone yet so much of what is sold is cooked in the form of filleted thighs and breast which is just tasteless, dry and awful. Chicken is tastier than turkey, I guess. Both need some flavoring additives to make them tastier than if nothing is added.

What do chickens hate the taste of? ›

Chickens hate the taste of mustard, and once they peck into that, they may not be trying it again. It may take a couple tries using this method, just in case it doesn't work the first time.

What to do with tasteless chicken? ›

some moisture and my go tos are always lemon juice. and good olive oil, i then add flavor with grated garlic, some seasoning, salt and pepper and I like a little. Dijon or coarse mustard because it kind of helps hold.

How do you keep chicken breast moist when cooking? ›

However, I find that a wet brine makes for a much moister cut of meat. To do this, dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in a cup of hot water and then dilute it with three cups of cold water. Add the chicken breasts and let sit for about an hour — but even as little as 15 minutes can help.

What cooking method makes chicken most tender? ›

Low and slow cooking methods like braising, stewing, or smoking are most effective when trying to create tender, succulent chicken.

Which cut of chicken do chefs prefer for most recipes? ›

Thighs, Boneless Skinless

Arguably the tastiest cut of the chicken, thighs have a combination of darker and lighter meat that provides a depth of flavor. Due to their size, boneless chicken thighs cook incredibly fast on the grill or roasted in the oven for a quick and easy meal.

Should you cook chicken quickly or slowly? ›

Is it better to cook chicken slowly? Chicken is a very versatile and lean meat with little fat or sinew, so it doesn't need long cooking for it to become tender. Both quick high heat methods such as frying, and low, slow cooking are suitable.

How do you fix bland chicken? ›

There are several simple and delicious ways to enhance the flavor and moisture of bland and dry chicken: Marinade: Marinating chicken before cooking can infuse it with flavor and moisture. You can use a mixture of olive oil, herbs, spices, and acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) to create a flavorful marinade.

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