Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken combines juicy chicken breasts with a vibrant blueberry and herb sauce. It’s a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors that makes for an impressive yet easy dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, honey, thyme, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to smash them.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Step 5: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and sear each breast for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Pour the reserved marinade with the blueberries over the seared chicken in the skillet.
7. Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Step 8: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
9. Step 9: Slice the chicken and spoon the blueberry sauce on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme works well in a pinch.
• Try substituting honey with maple syrup for a different sweet note.
• If fresh blueberries are not available, frozen blueberries can be used but add them in just before baking to avoid overcooking.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad to keep the meal balanced and fresh.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and sauce 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 broth if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but add them toward the end of the cooking process to prevent them from breaking down too much.

What can I serve with Blueberry Thyme Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 50 reviews

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a deliciously juicy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant mixture of fresh blueberries, thyme, honey, and balsamic vinegar. The chicken is first seared to a golden brown and then baked, allowing the unique blueberry thyme sauce to deeply infuse the meat, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This elegant yet simple recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade and Sauce

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, honey, thyme, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.
2. Add Blueberries: Gently fold fresh blueberries into the marinade, taking care not to crush them, to preserve their shape and texture.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
5. Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and reserve the leftover marinade with blueberries. Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
6. Add Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade containing blueberries over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, spreading the sauce evenly.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
8. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing tenderness and flavor.
9. Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and spoon the warm blueberry thyme sauce over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful meal.

Notes

• Marinating for up to 2 hours improves flavor infusion, but do not exceed 4 hours to avoid altering chicken texture.
• Use fresh blueberries for the best taste and texture; frozen can be used but may create a more watery sauce.
• This recipe works well with chicken thighs if preferred, though cooking times may vary.
• Ensure the skillet is oven-safe before searing and baking in it to avoid damage or accidents.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: blueberry thyme chicken, baked chicken breast, blueberry sauce chicken, honey thyme marinade, easy chicken dinner