Mediterranean Chicken with Balsamic Fig Sauce

Mediterranean Chicken with Balsamic Fig Sauce is a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors! The sweetness of fresh figs and balsamic vinegar with the bold flavor of a full bodied red wine give you a bold, flavorful sauce. The chicken is marinated in a perfect blend of Mediterranean herbs and olive oil and grilled to give that added touch of flavor. You have to make this meal today! Your family and guests will love this!

Figs – Making Use of Seasonal Items

There are over 700 varieties of fig. Wow! I know, I was shocked too when I found that out. Not to worry, you don’t need to know all of those. There are only a few grocery stores carry. Among the most popular are Black Mission and Brown Turkey.

Black Mission – this is among the most available and most beloved fig variety in the world. Black Mission figs are the sweetest of the figs. They have a deep purple color on the outside pinkish color to the flesh inside. They offer a mild and rich flavor at the same time.

Brown Turkey – this variety is also a sweet fig and is prolific all over the Mediterranean. They have a rusty reddish brown skin with delicate pink flesh inside. They have a soft, velvety taste that is sweet and juicy!

Fig season is usually the end of August through September. Sometimes store will carry an early harvest in early August. You can typically find dried figs at other times, but they greatly pale in comparison to fresh figs.

My daughter and I absolutely love fresh figs, so, when they’re in season, we get as much as we can since it’s only once a year. It also gives me time to make one of my favorite meals – Mediterranean Chicken with Balsamic Fig Sauce!

Mediterranean Chicken with Balsamic Fig Sauce

This is the first meal I ever made with figs. I would eat figs by themselves, with fruit, with honey, as a dessert, or over a dish as a topping. But this is the first meal I actually cooked figs. I knew their sweetness would make an awesome sauce.

When you first put the ingredients in the pan, it will taste really really sweet. My wife made this one time and was worried about how sweet it was. But as the liquid reduces and the flavors blend, the fig flavor will come out and become more pronounced. If it’s still too sweet for you, add a little more chicken stock to cut the taste.

For the chicken, I used my basic herb and spice mixture I use for Greek or other Mediterranean chicken. I love this herb blend when cooking chicken for a salad. So it’s super simple!

What Ingredients Are in Mediterranean Chicken with Balsamic Fig Sauce?

Balsamic Fig Sauce

• Olive Oil
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Black Mission Figs
• Red Wine
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Fresh Basil
• Salt & Pepper

Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
• Olive Oil
• Oregano, Dried
• Parsley, Dried
• Basil, Dried
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper

Toppings

• Kalamata Olives
• Feta Cheese

Ingredient Notes

Black Mission Figs – Black Mission figs are just the best. You can use Brown Turkey figs as well. If you use any other variety, just be sure they are fresh. Dried figs won’t work well in this dish.

Red Wine – I use Cabernet Sauvignon but another dry red wine will work, too. Just be aware that the figs and the balsamic vinegar are sweet, so keep the wine dry.

How Is Mediterranean Chicken with Balsamic Fig Sauce Made?

Balsamic Fig Sauce

1. Heat the Olive Oil in a small or medium skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced shallot and smashed cloves of garlic and season with salt. Cook for about 2 minutes. The garlic is just used for flavor, so do not chop the garlic – it needs to be whole as it will be removed later.
3. Next, add the figs and season with salt and pepper.  Stir until heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add balsamic vinegar and red wine.  Bring the liquid to a boil then reduce to a rapid simmer.
5. Add in the basil. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Allow to reduce until the sauce coats the back of a metal spoon, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the garlic clove and discard.

Chicken

1. Heat up the grill while the Balsamic Fig Sauce is simmering. Set the heat to medium.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl and add the olive oil. Stir to completely coat the chicken. Add in the oregano, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper and stir to coat the chicken.
3. Put about 6 pieces of chicken on each skewer (for standard 12 inch skewers). Place each skewer on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Turn the skewers 1/4 turn and cook for another 4 minutes with the lid closed. Turn the skewers again 1/4 turn and cook for another 3 minutes with the lid closed. Lastly, turn the skewers 1/4 turn and cook for another 2 minutes with the lid closed.
5. Serve the chicken with some of the Balsamic Fig sauce and top with feta cheese and kalamata olives.

Pro Tips

• If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water 30 minutes before you are going to grill. This will prevent them from splintering and catching fire.
• To prevent the chicken from sticking, put cooking oil on a paper towel and coat the grilling grates.
• Cook your favorite flavored couscous, pasta, quinoa, or rice and serve on the lettuce, under the chicken.

What Can I Do with the Leftovers?

Leftover can safely be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can easily freeze freeze this as well for up to 6 months.

Useful Kitchen Tools

I don’t know what I would do without these amazing kitchen tools. I use all of these at least once a week, some I use every day. None of these are sponsors. However, the links below are brands I trust and use regularly. I highly recommend these product to make your life in the kitchen easier.

Other Amazing Recipes That You’ll Love!

Click on these links for other great Mediterranean recipes! Or type in “Mediterranean ” in the search bar to find even more recipes!

Simple Chicken Gyro and Souvlaki

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Mediterranean Fish

Butter Poached Tilapia