Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, honey, thyme, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the marinade.
- Add Blueberries: Gently fold fresh blueberries into the marinade, taking care not to crush them, to preserve their shape and texture.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- 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.
- Add Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade containing blueberries over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, spreading the sauce evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
