Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Blueberry Thyme Chicken offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, making it a refreshing twist on a classic chicken dish. The juicy chicken pairs beautifully with a tangy blueberry sauce infused with fresh thyme, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (save a few for garnish if you’re feeling fancy!)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried in a pinch)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (use the good stuff for searing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all your ingredients—this moves quickly once you start.
2. Step 2: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme over medium heat. Gently smash the blueberries with a fork as they cook, creating a chunky, jammy sauce, about 5 minutes total.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken breasts 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Pour the blueberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet—it should sizzle and smell incredible.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a thermometer to check doneness.
7. Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use dried thyme if fresh thyme isn’t available, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon for a balanced flavor.
• For a hint of warmth, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the blueberry sauce.
• Serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or a light salad to complement the flavors.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the chicken moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Just thaw them before cooking and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery sauce.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

Sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.

Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 66 reviews

A flavorful and elegant Blueberry Thyme Chicken recipe featuring juicy seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant, jammy blueberry and balsamic glaze, finished in the oven to perfect tenderness. This dish combines sweet, savory, and herbal notes for a unique and delicious meal.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Blueberry Thyme Sauce

• 1 cup fresh blueberries (reserve a few for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Instructions

1. Get organized: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
2. Season generously: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
3. Make the magic sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme. Gently mash the blueberries with a fork while cooking to create a chunky, jam-like sauce. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Sear to perfection: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
5. Bring it together: Pour the blueberry thyme sauce over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring the chicken is coated with the sauce.
6. Finish in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
7. Serve with style: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes. Serve the chicken with extra blueberry sauce spooned over the top and garnish with reserved fresh thyme or blueberries for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check chicken doneness for best results.
• If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works but use half the amount.
• This sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad to complement the dish.
• Leftover chicken can be sliced and used in salads or sandwiches.

Keywords: Blueberry chicken recipe, thyme chicken, balsamic chicken, baked chicken with fruit sauce, easy chicken dinner