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The Best Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

The Best Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 20 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. Get organized: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all your ingredients—this recipe moves quickly once you start cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Keywords: blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, balsamic chicken, healthy chicken recipe, seared chicken with fruit sauce