Print

Blueberry Thyme Chicken 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.

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 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