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Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

5.2 from 26 reviews

This Blueberry Thyme Chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with tender seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant, homemade blueberry and thyme sauce. Perfectly balanced with balsamic vinegar and honey, this dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (reserve a few for garnish)
  • 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. This preparation ensures the cooking process flows smoothly and quickly once you start.
  2. Season generously: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and season both sides thoroughly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the chicken’s flavor.
  3. Make the magic sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme leaves. Using a fork, gently smash the blueberries as they cook to create a chunky, jam-like sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Sear to perfection: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning once, 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. You should hear a gentle sizzle and smell the enticing aroma of the sauce marrying with the chicken.
  6. Finish in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by a meat thermometer.
  7. Serve with style: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes. Plate the chicken breasts, spoon extra sauce from the pan over them, and garnish with reserved fresh blueberries and a sprig of thyme for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh thyme for the best flavor; dried thyme works in a pinch but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the sauce.
  • Ensure chicken is patted dry before seasoning to get a better sear and crust.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light arugula salad.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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