Amazing Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Discover the delightful blend of sweet and savory with this Amazing Blueberry Thyme Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts are infused with fresh blueberries and fragrant thyme, creating a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

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 fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Step 5: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and sear each breast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Pour the reserved marinade with blueberries over the seared chicken in the skillet.
7. Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Step 8: Remove 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; thaw and drain excess liquid before using to prevent thinning the marinade.
• Try adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the marinade for extra depth of flavor.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Storage

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

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. Just make sure to thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before adding to the marinade to avoid diluting the flavors.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing helps develop a flavorful crust and locks in juices, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake the chicken straight away. The dish will still be delicious.

Amazing Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 62 reviews

This Amazing Blueberry Thyme Chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining juicy chicken breasts with fresh blueberries, fragrant thyme, and a tangy balsamic honey marinade. Perfectly seared and baked to tender perfection, this dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade and 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. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade base.
2. Add Blueberries: Gently fold fresh blueberries into the marinade mixture, being careful not to crush them and cause the sauce to become too watery.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor absorption.
4. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
5. Sear Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear each breast for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust.
6. Add Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade, including the blueberries, over the seared chicken directly in the skillet, allowing the flavors to meld during baking.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
8. Rest: Take the skillet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.
9. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and spoon the blueberry thyme sauce over the top. Serve warm for a deliciously balanced meal.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for longer than 2 hours is not recommended as the acid in the vinegar can begin to break down the meat texture.
• Use fresh blueberries for best texture and flavor, but frozen can be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
• An oven-safe skillet is essential for seamless transfer from stovetop searing to oven baking.
• Check the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked safely.
• Serve with side dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Keywords: Blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, baked chicken breast, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken recipe