Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a delicious blend of sweet blueberries and fragrant thyme that transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special family dinner with a burst of unique flavors.

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 prepare the marinade.
2. Step 2: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care 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 thoroughly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense 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. Add a small amount of olive oil, then remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes on each 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 preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 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 fresh blueberries whenever possible for the best taste and texture.
• Marinate the chicken longer than 30 minutes to intensify flavors.
• Try grilling instead of baking for a smoky flavor, watching carefully to prevent the marinade from burning.
• Substitute thyme with herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy twist.
• Mix blueberries with other berries such as raspberries or blackberries for a varied fruit glaze.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish for a bright, fresh touch.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used, but fresh blueberries provide better texture and flavor. If using frozen, do not thaw before marinating to avoid a watery marinade.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and tend to stay juicier due to their higher fat content.

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a flavorful and unique dish combining the natural sweetness of fresh blueberries with the earthy aroma of thyme, perfectly complementing tender, seared chicken breasts. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it ideal for a special family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Quick to prepare and bake, it showcases how simple ingredients can create a gourmet experience with juicy, aromatic chicken bathed in a luscious blueberry glaze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade and 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, honey, chopped thyme, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a balanced marinade base.
2. Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the marinade, taking care not to crush them, preserving their shape and texture.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour over the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate 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 after searing.
5. Sear Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown, locking in juices.
6. Add Marinade: Pour the reserved blueberry marinade over the seared chicken in the skillet, ensuring the sauce surrounds the chicken evenly.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
8. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
9. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts, spoon the blueberry sauce generously on top, and garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen blueberries are a substitute but may alter the sauce consistency.
• Marinate longer than 30 minutes if possible for a deeper infusion of flavors.
• Allow the chicken to rest after baking to retain juiciness.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely and perfectly.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a refreshing citrus brightness.
• Variations include substituting thyme with rosemary or oregano, swapping blueberries for mixed berries, or adding red pepper flakes for heat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Blueberry chicken, thyme chicken recipe, baked chicken with blueberry sauce, sweet and savory chicken, healthy chicken dinner, gourmet chicken recipe