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Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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