Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Discover the delightful balance of sweet and savory with this Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts are infused with fresh blueberries and fragrant thyme, creating a unique, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

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 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 well-coated. Refrigerate and marinate 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 with a drizzle of olive oil. Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade and blueberries. Sear each breast for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Pour the reserved marinade and 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 juices to redistribute.
9. Step 9: Slice the chicken and spoon the blueberry sauce on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen blueberries depending on availability—frozen will work well if thawed before use.
• For added zest, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice into the marinade.
• Substitute thyme with rosemary for a different herbal note.
• Serve over rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover blueberry thyme chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave to preserve the sauce’s flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Just thaw them before adding to the marinade to prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.

What is the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat and juicy.

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 105 reviews

This Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a succulent and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated and baked with fresh blueberries, fragrant thyme, garlic, honey, and balsamic vinegar. The blueberries create a subtle sweetness and natural sauce that perfectly complements the savory herbs and juicy chicken, making it an impressive yet easy-to-make meal for any occasion.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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 maintain their shape and texture.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for the best flavor infusion.
4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
5. Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown for a beautiful crust and enhanced flavor.
6. Add Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade with blueberries over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, allowing the sauce to surround the meat.
7. Bake: 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) ensuring it is fully cooked.
8. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
9. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and spoon the blueberry sauce over the top. Serve immediately for a delicious and elegant meal.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for the full 2 hours if time allows for maximum flavor penetration.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
• Fresh blueberries are preferred but frozen blueberries can be used if fresh are not available; thaw and drain before using.
• This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
• To make this gluten-free, ensure all ingredients used (especially balsamic vinegar and honey) are certified gluten-free.

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