Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later in the recipe.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Blueberry Sauce: Pour the prepared blueberry sauce evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
- 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).
- Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes, and garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired.
- 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
