Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a delightful blend of savory and sweet, bringing a fresh twist to your usual chicken dinner. The jammy blueberry sauce paired with aromatic thyme creates a beautiful balance that’s sure to impress your family or guests.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (save a few for garnish if you’re feeling fancy!)
• 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 your ingredients to prepare. This ensures a smooth 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 the blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme. Gently smash the blueberries with a fork as they cook, creating a chunky, jammy sauce. Cook for 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 on each side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Pour the blueberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. It should sizzle and fill the kitchen with a wonderful 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). Use a meat thermometer for best results.
7. Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with fresh thyme or reserved blueberries for a polished presentation.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh thyme if possible for a brighter herbal note; dried thyme works well as a substitute if fresh isn’t available.
• For a deeper sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or reduce the sauce for a few extra minutes before adding to the chicken.
• Serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to complement the sweet and savory flavors.

Storage

Store leftover blueberry thyme chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid diluting the sauce.

What can I serve with Blueberry Thyme Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. A simple green salad also complements the rich flavors nicely.

Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a delightful and elegant dish featuring juicy, seared chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, tangy blueberry and balsamic sauce infused with fresh thyme. Perfectly balanced with sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is simple to prepare yet impressive enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Luna
• 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 (preferably extra virgin)

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. Get organized: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process since things move quickly once you start.
2. Season generously: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
3. Make the magic sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme leaves. Gently smash the blueberries with a fork as they cook, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens into a chunky, jammy sauce, about 5 minutes.
4. Sear to perfection: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust.
5. Bring it together: Pour the prepared blueberry sauce directly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, allowing it to sizzle and infuse the meat with its vibrant flavors.
6. Finish in the oven: 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 accuracy over relying solely on time.
7. Serve with style: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes out of the oven to allow juicy redistribution, then serve with the sauce drizzled on top and garnish with reserved fresh blueberries and a sprig of thyme for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron for seamless stovetop to oven cooking.
• Fresh thyme is best for flavor, but dried thyme works if fresh isn’t available.
• Reserve some blueberries for garnish to add a fresh burst and visual appeal.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temp of 165°F to avoid undercooking.
• This dish pairs nicely with roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, baked chicken breast, blueberry sauce, easy dinner recipe, healthy chicken recipe, balsamic chicken