Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors that will impress your dinner guests. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and finished in a luscious blueberry and thyme sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any night of the week.

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 tsp dried in a pinch)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (use the good stuff for searing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all your ingredients—this moves quickly once you start.
2. Step 2: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme. Gently smash the blueberries with a fork as they cook, creating a chunky, jammy sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Pour the blueberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet—it should sizzle and smell amazing.
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).
7. Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, use fresh thyme leaves rather than dried, as they provide a brighter aroma.
• If fresh blueberries aren’t available, frozen blueberries can be used—just thaw them before cooking.
• Serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?

Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme. The flavor will be slightly less vibrant but still delicious.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the breast.

Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 117 reviews

A delightful and elegant Blueberry Thyme Chicken recipe featuring juicy seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant blueberry-balsamic sauce infused with fresh thyme. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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)
• 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 ensures a smooth, efficient cooking process once you start.
2. Season generously: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels, then season both sides liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Proper seasoning enhances flavor significantly.
3. Make the magic 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 create a chunky, jammy sauce. This should take about 5 minutes.
4. Sear to perfection: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
5. Bring it together: Pour the prepared blueberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. The sauce will sizzle and release wonderful aromas.
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).
7. Serve with style: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes after baking. Serve with extra sauce drizzled on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme if desired for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Notes

• Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven without extra dishes.
• Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Fresh thyme offers brighter flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted in a pinch.
• Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
• Serve alongside rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, balsamic chicken, baked chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, fruity chicken sauce