The Best Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe
This Blueberry Thyme Chicken recipe combines tender seared chicken breasts with a vibrant, tangy-sweet blueberry and balsamic sauce accented by fresh thyme. Perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish balances savory and fruity flavors for a delightful and healthy meal.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
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)
- Get organized: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all your ingredients—this recipe moves quickly once you start cooking.
- Season generously: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Make the magic sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme leaves. Gently smash the blueberries with a fork as they cook to create a chunky, jammy sauce. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Sear to perfection: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bring it together: Pour the prepared blueberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. The sauce should sizzle on contact, infusing the chicken with flavor.
- Finish in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Serve with style: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes to retain juices. Serve the chicken topped with extra blueberry sauce and garnish with reserved fresh blueberries and a sprig of thyme for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the chicken to another dish before baking.
- If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme works as a suitable substitute—just use half the amount.
- Fresh blueberries can be substituted with frozen blueberries; if using frozen, thaw before cooking.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- This sauce can also be served over grilled chicken or pork for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: ninety mg
Keywords: blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, balsamic chicken, healthy chicken recipe, seared chicken with fruit sauce