Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Blueberry Thyme Chicken offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. This easy-to-make dish pairs juicy chicken breasts with a tangy blueberry sauce enhanced by fresh thyme. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a bit special.

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 dish moves quickly once you start, so it helps to be ready.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Good seasoning is key.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme. Gently smash the blueberries with a fork as they cook, creating a chunky, jammy sauce. This should take 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 on each side until golden brown and beautiful.
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). Rely on a thermometer rather than time alone for best results.
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

• Use dried thyme if fresh isn’t available, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the sauce.
• For a twist, add a splash of chicken broth to the sauce for extra depth before baking.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to keep the meal light and fresh.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it slightly before pouring over the chicken.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent the chicken from drying out. The sauce may thicken when chilled; stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Thaw them slightly before cooking and drain any excess juice to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.

Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

While an oven-safe skillet is ideal for searing and finishing the chicken, you can transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before placing it in the oven if needed.

Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 80 reviews

Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a delightful blend of savory and sweet, featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven with a luscious, homemade blueberry sauce infused with fresh thyme and a hint of balsamic vinegar. This recipe offers a sophisticated yet simple way to elevate weeknight dinners with fresh, seasonal ingredients and vibrant flavors.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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 to streamline the cooking process.
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 flavor.
3. Make the magic sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme leaves. Use a fork to gently smash the blueberries as they cook, stirring occasionally, 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 the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
5. Bring it together: Pour the warm blueberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and sizzle enticingly.
6. Finish in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
7. Serve with style: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes. Serve the chicken breasts drizzled with the remaining sauce and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and reserved blueberries for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for perfect doneness.
• If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used, but use half the amount to avoid overpowering the sauce.
• Reserve a few blueberries for garnish to add a fresh pop of color.
• This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the balsamic vinegar is certified gluten-free.

Keywords: blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, baked chicken breasts, blueberry sauce, easy dinner recipe, weeknight chicken, healthy chicken recipe