Roast Chicken with Lemon and Figs
🕒 Total Time: 50 minutes
🥄 Prep Time: 5 minutes
🍗 Cook Time: 45 minutes
Description:
This delightful recipe, sourced from a Weight Watchers cookbook, combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the sweetness of dried mission figs to create a flavorful dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. With its savory aroma wafting through your kitchen, this roast chicken is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation, offering a perfect balance of citrusy tang and fruity sweetness in every bite.
Recipe Category:
One Dish Meal
Keywords:
Chicken, Lemon, Poultry, Citrus, Fruit, Meat, < 60 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Easy
Ingredients:
- 3 lemons
- 1 cup dried mission figs
- 5 skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 381.4
- Fat Content: 13.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 92.8mg
- Sodium Content: 332.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 34.2g
- Fiber Content: 3.9g
- Sugar Content: 26.8g
- Protein Content: 31.7g
Instructions:
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare the lemons and figs: Trim the ends from 1 lemon, then cut it into very thin, round slices (about 12 slices). Place the lemon slices and the dried figs in the prepared baking dish. Feel free to add extra lemon slices for more flavor. These slices will become deliciously caramelized under the chicken.
-
Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or pieces on top of the lemon and fig mixture in the baking dish.
-
Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
-
Prepare the lemon mixture: Squeeze enough juice from the remaining 2 lemons to equal 3 tablespoons of juice. Transfer the lemon juice to a small bowl, then stir in the brown sugar, vinegar, and water until well combined.
-
Pour the lemon mixture: Pour the lemon mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. For optimal flavor infusion, cover the baking dish loosely with foil.
-
Roast the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 35 minutes.
-
Baste and roast uncovered: After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue roasting the chicken uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, basting the chicken with the pan juices twice during this time.
-
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken, figs, and lemon slices to a serving platter. Discard any excess fat from the pan drippings, then spoon the remaining drippings over the chicken for added flavor and moisture.
-
Enjoy: Serve your succulent roast chicken with lemon and figs alongside your favorite side dishes or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Each tender bite is bursting with the vibrant flavors of citrus and sweet figs, making every forkful a delightful culinary experience.
This roast chicken recipe with lemon and figs is a true testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its enticing aroma and delectable flavors. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!
