Chicken with Figs and Rosemary Recipe

When you want a delicious and simple dish that feels both elegant and comforting, roasted chicken with figs and rosemary is a fantastic choice. The savory flavor of the chicken pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the figs, while rosemary adds an aromatic touch that elevates the entire meal. This dish is perfect for a weekend dinner or a special gathering, offering a balance of flavors and ease of preparation. The natural sweetness of the figs also provides a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the dish.

In this article, we will walk you through the steps of preparing this flavorful roasted chicken recipe, giving you detailed instructions and tips to make sure your meal turns out perfectly. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (around 1.5 kg)
• 8-10 fresh figs, halved
• 4-5 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 small onion, cut into quarters

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepping the Chicken Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). Make sure the chicken is at room temperature for even cooking. Place it on a cutting board and season the cavity with salt, pepper, and a sprig or two of rosemary.

Next, drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and rub it all over to ensure even coverage. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides, and set aside while preparing the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Preparing the Figs and Rosemary Wash the figs and cut them in half. Figs add a lovely sweetness that complements the savory chicken and herbs. Set them aside in a bowl. Take the remaining sprigs of rosemary and gently bruise them with the back of a spoon to release their oils—this helps the rosemary infuse the dish with a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Stuffing the Chicken Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered onion, minced garlic, and a couple of halved figs. Add some of the bruised rosemary sprigs inside as well. This will infuse the chicken from the inside, ensuring the flavors penetrate deeply while roasting.

Step 4: Preparing the Roasting Pan In a large roasting pan, arrange the rest of the figs around the chicken. Drizzle the figs with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Scatter the rosemary sprigs across the pan. If you want a hint of sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the figs, but this step is optional.

Step 5: Roasting the Chicken Place the roasting pan in the oven and cook the chicken for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). Baste the chicken with its juices every 30 minutes to ensure it stays moist and develops a rich golden color. Halfway through cooking, turn the figs gently to prevent them from sticking or over-browning.

Step 6: Resting the Chicken Once the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.

Step 7: Serving After resting, carve the chicken into your preferred portions. Serve it alongside the caramelized figs and rosemary from the pan. For an added burst of freshness, squeeze a little lemon juice over the chicken right before serving. This brightens the flavors and balances the dish beautifully.

Additional Tips:

• Choose fresh figs when they’re in season for the best flavor. If fresh figs are unavailable, you can use dried figs, but soak them in warm water for 30 minutes before roasting to ensure they remain plump and juicy.

• Herbs: If you’re a fan of other herbs, feel free to add thyme or oregano along with rosemary for a more complex flavor.

• Sides to Pair: This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted potatoes, a green salad, or even a light couscous.

Conclusion:

Roasted chicken with figs and rosemary is an easy, yet sophisticated dish that brings together the sweet flavors of figs and the earthy tones of rosemary. It’s a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a comforting meal at home. The combination of caramelized figs and golden, crispy chicken creates a truly delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone at the table satisfied.

By following these easy steps, you can create a memorable meal that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning, perfect for impressing your family or guests.

One of the great aspects of this chicken with figs and rosemary recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit what you have on hand or what’s available in your local market.

For example, if fresh figs are out of season, dried figs can be a fantastic substitute. Soak them in warm water or a mild broth for about 30 minutes before roasting, allowing them to rehydrate and plump up. This will ensure they don’t dry out during the cooking process and will provide a similar sweetness to fresh figs. Additionally, apricots or prunes can be substituted for figs to provide a different yet complementary flavor.

When it comes to seasoning, consider adding a bit of zest from oranges instead of lemons for a more citrusy, sweet fragrance. For those who love experimenting, swapping rosemary with thyme can add an earthy, slightly minty note to the chicken, making it taste different while maintaining the herbaceous undertones.

If you're planning to make this dish in advance, you can marinate the chicken overnight with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest. This will deepen the flavors and save time when you’re ready to cook.