Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Discover the delightful flavors of this Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken, a fresh and easy spring dinner that combines juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and savory blueberry thyme sauce. It’s a perfect dish to brighten up any weeknight meal with minimal effort.

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 evenly 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 an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear each breast for 3-4 minutes per 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 oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Step 8: Remove from 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

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Substitute fresh blueberries with frozen ones if fresh are unavailable; just thaw before adding.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to the marinade for extra brightness.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. For best results, reheat covered and add a little water or broth to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add more juiciness and flavor. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach the safe internal temperature.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing the chicken first helps develop a rich, golden crust and locks in juices, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake the chicken directly with the marinade. The flavor will still be delicious.

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 60 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A delightful spring dinner featuring tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked with a flavorful marinade of fresh blueberries, thyme, garlic, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Seared to perfection and baked to lock in juices, this Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken offers a sweet and savory taste that’s both healthy and easy to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

• 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, thyme, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
2. Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to crush them, to maintain their shape and texture in the sauce.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each breast is evenly coated. Refrigerate and let marinate 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 the chicken.
5. Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade, and sear each breast for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
6. Add Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade along with the blueberries over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
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 and juicy.
8. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
9. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and spoon the flavorful blueberry thyme sauce on top before serving for an elegant presentation and delicious taste.

Notes

• For best results, do not crush the blueberries when folding them into the marinade to keep the sauce vibrant.
• Using an oven-safe skillet allows seamless transfer from stovetop searing to oven baking.
• Marinating for longer times (up to 2 hours) intensifies the flavor but do not exceed this to avoid over-tenderizing the chicken.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
• Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

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

Keywords: blueberry chicken, thyme chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken breasts, spring dinner, healthy chicken dinner, berry marinade chicken