Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken combines juicy chicken breasts with a fragrant, sweet-tart blueberry and thyme sauce. It’s an impressive yet easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The fresh flavors and simple steps make it a standout meal.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Mix well.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Step 4: In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the blueberries for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down into a sauce. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
6. Step 6: Pour the blueberry sauce evenly over the chicken in the skillet.
7. Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
9. Step 9: Slice the chicken and drizzle with any remaining blueberry sauce from the skillet before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For more depth, marinate the chicken overnight to let the flavors fully develop.
• If fresh blueberries aren’t available, frozen blueberries can be used—just thaw before cooking.
• Add a splash of white wine to the blueberry sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and blueberry 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 until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?

Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme as a substitute for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme in this recipe.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a delicious and visually stunning dish featuring tender, marinated chicken breasts cooked with a fresh blueberry and thyme sauce. This recipe combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors through a simple marinade and a blueberry sauce finished in the oven, resulting in a succulent and aromatic main course perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Blueberry Sauce

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a balanced marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight to deepen the flavors.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later in the recipe.
4. Sauté the Blueberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the fresh blueberries. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the blueberries start to break down, forming a syrupy sauce. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear each side for approximately 4 to 5 minutes until nicely browned.
6. Add Blueberry Sauce: Pour the prepared blueberry sauce evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes, and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired.
9. Serve: Slice the chicken and serve it with the flavorful blueberry sauce spooned over the top for a beautiful presentation and delicious taste.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense flavor.
• If fresh blueberries are not available, frozen can be used but should be thawed before cooking.
• Use an oven-safe skillet for seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
• Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• This recipe pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: Blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, baked chicken breast, blueberry sauce, easy chicken recipe, savory and sweet chicken