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Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 45 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://naomifletcher.com/best-ever-blueberry-thyme-chicken-recipe/