Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken combines juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful, slightly sweet blueberry and thyme sauce. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, honey, thyme, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Step 5: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil, remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade), and sear each breast for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Pour the reserved marinade with the blueberries over the seared chicken in the skillet.
7. Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Step 8: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
9. Step 9: Slice the chicken and spoon the blueberry sauce on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen blueberries if fresh are unavailable, but thaw them first to avoid excess moisture.
• Try adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the marinade for extra depth.
• For a dairy twist, serve the chicken with a dollop of ricotta or goat cheese on top.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the marinade briefly on the stove after baking.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve moisture and flavor, or microwave covered on medium power.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but it’s best to thaw and drain them first to reduce extra water in the marinade and sauce.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

This dish goes wonderfully with roasted vegetables, quinoa, rice, or a fresh green salad to balance the fruity flavors.

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

This Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken combines juicy seared chicken breasts with a sweet and savory blueberry thyme marinade, baked to perfection. The fresh blueberries add a burst of flavor balanced by aromatic thyme, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, making it an elegant and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade & Sauce

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, honey, thyme, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
2. Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to crush them to maintain their shape and texture.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl, then pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
4. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
5. Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Remove chicken breasts from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later use) and sear each breast for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown.
6. Add Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade with the blueberries over the seared chicken in the skillet to infuse flavor during baking.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
8. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
9. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and spoon the blueberry thyme sauce over the top before serving for a beautiful presentation and burst of flavor.

Notes

• Be gentle when folding in blueberries to prevent them from bursting prematurely.
• Marinating the chicken longer enhances the depth of flavor but avoid exceeding 2 hours to maintain chicken texture.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.
• If you don’t have fresh blueberries, frozen blueberries can be used but fresh is preferred for texture.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal.

Keywords: blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, baked chicken recipe, blueberry sauce, easy chicken dinner