Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate your weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and glazed with a luscious blueberry-thyme sauce that’s both fresh and aromatic. It’s an elegant dish made simple enough for any home cook to master.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (reserve a few for garnish if desired)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme. Gently smash the blueberries with a fork as the mixture cooks, forming a chunky, jammy sauce, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Pour the blueberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet, allowing it to bubble and infuse aroma.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes. Serve with extra sauce drizzled on top and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t skip searing the chicken; it locks in juices and adds a beautiful golden crust.
• For a citrus twist, add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to the blueberry sauce.
• Include a pinch of cinnamon and black pepper in the sauce for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Add fresh rosemary alongside thyme for enhanced herbaceous depth.
• Substitute 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar with white wine for more complex acidity.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of chicken broth to maintain sauce consistency and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery and cause the sauce to separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.

What can I serve with Blueberry Thyme Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad. It also complements buttered noodles or garlic bread for a comforting meal.

Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 72 reviews

This Blueberry Thyme Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a vibrant, jammy blueberry sauce infused with fresh thyme and balsamic vinegar. Searing the chicken to create a golden crust and finishing it in the oven ensures maximum flavor and perfect texture. The natural sweetness of blueberries balances savory elements, making a sophisticated yet easy weeknight dinner.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Blueberry Thyme Sauce

• 1 cup fresh blueberries (reserve a few for garnish if desired)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Instructions

1. Preheat and organize: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all your ingredients. This ensures the cooking process moves smoothly once you start.
2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Proper seasoning is essential to enhance flavor.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme. Gently smash the blueberries with a fork as they cook to release juices and create a chunky, jammy sauce. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices.
5. Combine and bake: Pour the blueberry thyme sauce over the seared chicken directly in the skillet. Immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy.
6. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes. Serve the chicken with extra sauce spooned on top and garnish with reserved blueberries or fresh thyme sprigs for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

• Don’t skip searing the chicken; it creates a flavorful crust that keeps the meat juicy.
• Oven temperatures vary, so always use a meat thermometer to check doneness instead of relying solely on time.
• The sauce caramelizes beautifully during baking without any special techniques, adding rich flavor and a glossy finish.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of chicken broth to maintain sauce consistency; avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture and sauce separation.

Keywords: blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, baked chicken breast, berry sauce, balsamic chicken, easy dinner recipes, pan sauce chicken