Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and savory blueberry thyme sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Fresh flavors and easy preparation make it a favorite in any kitchen.

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 the fresh blueberries into the marinade, 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 evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
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 splash of olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve 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 until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Step 8: Remove the skillet 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 over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen blueberries if fresh aren’t available; thaw them gently before adding to the marinade.
• For a hint of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a pan and then transfer to a baking dish before adding the marinade and baking.
• Swap thyme for rosemary for a slightly different herbal flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. The blueberry sauce may thicken when chilled; stir in a little water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper marinating. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before preparing.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance. For best results, cook and bake the chicken just before serving to enjoy its freshness and texture.

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

Discover the vibrant flavors of Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken, a perfect balance of sweet and savory with juicy chicken breasts marinated in fresh blueberries, thyme, garlic, honey, and balsamic vinegar. This recipe combines a simple searing technique followed by oven baking to create a tender and flavorful dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade & 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 in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to crush them to preserve their texture and juice.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor infusion.
4. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
5. Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a dash of olive oil. Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown to seal in juices.
6. Add Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade along with the blueberries over the seared chicken in the skillet, ensuring an even coating of sauce and blueberries.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is thoroughly cooked and juicy.
8. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute to maintain moistness.
9. Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and spoon the blueberry sauce on top before serving for a beautiful, flavorful presentation.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh blueberries and fresh thyme if possible.
• Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
• Marinating the chicken longer will intensify the blueberry and thyme infusion.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
• You can serve this dish with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Keywords: blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, baked chicken, blueberry sauce chicken, easy chicken recipe, flavorful chicken breasts