Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, honey, thyme, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to crush them to maintain their shape and texture.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- 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.
- Add Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade with blueberries over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, allowing the sauce to surround the meat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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