Fig Chicken Roast with Shallot Basmati Rice
55 Minutes
American/American Fusion
Serves: 2
Crisp, golden chicken thighs roasted with caramelized figs and shallots, served over fragrant shallot Basmati Rice. Sweet and savory notes mingle effortlessly, creating a rich yet balanced dish that feels elegant and comforting at once.
Ingredients
- Skin-on chicken thighs, 4 pieces
- Kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons + 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper, 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
- Fresh figs, 6 to 8, halved + more for garnish
- Shallots, 4 medium, peeled and halved lengthwise + 2 tablespoons, finely minced
- Fresh thyme, 4 sprigs
- Royal Basmati Rice (5 lb bag), 1 cup, washed and drained
- Butter or ghee, 1 tablespoon
- Water, 1 3/4 cups
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels. Season all over with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes, allowing the fat to slowly render and the skin to turn deeply golden and crisp.
- Flip the chicken and scatter the halved figs, shallots, and thyme sprigs around the pan. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the figs and shallots are soft and caramelized in the drippings.
- While the chicken roasts, prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and sauté until soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the washed Basmati Rice and stir to coat the grains in the shallot mixture. Pour in the water and remaining salt, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce to low. Cook for 12-13 minutes, until the rice is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let rest before fluffing.
- To serve, spoon the shallot Basmati Rice onto plates. Nestle the chicken thighs on top and spoon the jammy figs, shallots, and pan drippings over everything. Finish with fresh fig slices tucked alongside for color and contrast.
