Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Bright and flavorful, this Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken combines juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and savory blueberry sauce. It’s an elegant yet easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add blueberries, thyme, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring gently until the blueberries begin to burst and create a sauce.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some blueberry sauce over each piece.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Step 8: If desired, sprinkle lemon zest over the chicken for extra brightness and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme works well in a pinch.
• For a tangier sauce, add a splash more balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Swap blueberries for blackberries or raspberries for a different berry twist.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad to keep the meal balanced and fresh.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. The blueberry sauce may thicken upon refrigeration; add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it.

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 if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery sauce.

What can I serve with Blueberry Thyme Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh mixed green salad. Rice or quinoa also make great bases to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 140 reviews

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a delightful and elegant dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with a fresh, tangy blueberry thyme sauce. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe balances sweetness from honey and blueberries with savory notes and a hint of balsamic vinegar, finished with optional lemon zest for a fresh zing.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Blueberry Thyme Sauce

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
2. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare Blueberry Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the blueberries, thyme, honey, and balsamic vinegar into the same skillet. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes while stirring gently, allowing the blueberries to burst and the sauce to thicken.
5. Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the blueberry sauce over them to coat nicely.
6. Bake: Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
7. Rest Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices and lock in moisture.
8. Garnish: Before serving, optionally sprinkle lemon zest over the chicken for a bright, fresh flavor boost.

Notes

• Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transition from stovetop to oven.
• Fresh thyme is preferred for a more vibrant flavor, but dried thyme works well too.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a dairy-free recipe, this dish already meets that requirement as it contains no dairy ingredients.

Keywords: blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, baked chicken breast, blueberry sauce, honey balsamic chicken, easy chicken recipes