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The Best Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

The Best Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

The Best Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a delightful and elegant dish featuring juicy chicken breasts glazed with a tangy-sweet blueberry and balsamic vinegar sauce infused with fresh thyme. This recipe combines simple ingredients with French-inspired techniques to create a beautifully caramelized, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (save 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 moves quickly once you start.
  2. Season generously: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Proper seasoning is key to flavor.
  3. Make the magic sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme over medium heat. Gently smash the blueberries with a fork as they cook, creating a chunky, jammy sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Sear to perfection: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and develop a crust.
  5. Bring it together: Pour the blueberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. It should sizzle and smell incredible as the flavors meld.
  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). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
  7. Serve with style: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Notes

  • Don’t skip the searing step; the golden crust locks in juices for tender chicken.
  • Oven temperatures vary; rely on a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
  • The blueberry sauce caramelizes beautifully during baking, enhancing the glaze.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of chicken broth; avoid microwaving.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, wild rice, roasted asparagus, green salad, buttered noodles, or garlic bread.
  • Wine pairings: a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Pinot Noir complements the flavors excellently.
  • Recipe variations include adding lemon juice, cinnamon, rosemary, or substituting white wine for balsamic vinegar for different flavor profiles.

Nutrition

Keywords: blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, chicken breast recipe, balsamic chicken, healthy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, pan sauce chicken

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/the-best-blueberry-thyme-chicken-recipe/