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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/blueberry-thyme-chicken-recipe/