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Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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