Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for cooking
- 6 skinless chicken breasts, preferably small organic breasts
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns, crushed in a mortar and pestle or in a spice grinder
Fig Sauce
- 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- One 7-ounce bag dried mission figs, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 to 3 dashes of hot sauce
- Kosher salt
Directions
- Combine the mustard, honey, thyme, ground black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and 1/4 cup olive oil in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Add the chicken and coat each piece in the marinade, then cover or transfer to a resealable bag, press out any air, and place in the fridge. Let marinate for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the marinated chicken on a sheet pan or a large plate and sprinkle with the crushed peppercorns on both sides, making sure to evenly distribute them. Pat them into the breast so that they adhere.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle (about 1 tablespoon) of olive oil. Add 2 to 3 chicken breasts at a time to the skillet, being sure not to crowd them. Sauté until well browned, about 4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken breasts to a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring until slightly translucent, about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, figs, garlic, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt, then simmer over medium heat until the figs are melting and the broth is reduced by half, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste.