Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Thyme Chicken with a fresh blueberry balsamic sauce is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. This simple yet elegant dish combines tender chicken breasts with a glossy, jammy glaze that’s sure to impress. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (save a few for garnish if you’re feeling fancy!)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried in a pinch)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (use the good stuff for searing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all your ingredients to stay organized.
2. Step 2: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme over medium heat. Gently smash blueberries with a fork as they cook for about 5 minutes until creating a chunky, jammy sauce.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken breasts 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Pour the blueberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet; it should sizzle beautifully.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes, then serve with extra sauce drizzled on top and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Don’t skip searing – the golden crust keeps the chicken juicy and adds flavor.
• Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a bright citrus twist.
• Include a pinch of cinnamon and black pepper for a spiced variation.
• Try adding fresh rosemary alongside thyme for deeper herb flavors.
• Replace 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar with white wine for a wine country elegance.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce from sticking and avoid microwave reheating, which can make the chicken rubbery and the sauce separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well for the sauce. Just thaw them before cooking and adjust cooking time slightly if needed to reach a jammy consistency.

What side dishes pair well with Thyme Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice, roasted asparagus, simple green salad, buttered noodles, or garlic bread. A crisp Pinot Grigio or light Pinot Noir wine complements the flavors nicely.

Thyme Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 75 reviews

Thyme Chicken is a sophisticated yet simple dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts seared to a golden crust and finished in the oven with a luscious blueberry, balsamic vinegar, and honey sauce infused with fresh thyme. This recipe elevates weeknight dinners by combining sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors in a beautiful pan sauce that caramelizes perfectly for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

• 1 cup fresh blueberries (reserve a few for garnish if desired)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Instructions

1. Get organized: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
2. Season generously: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
3. Make the magic sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme leaves. Gently mash the blueberries with a fork as they cook, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken into a chunky, jammy sauce for about 5 minutes.
4. Sear to perfection: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
5. Bring it together: Pour the freshly made blueberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet, letting the sizzling sauce infuse the meat with rich flavor.
6. Finish in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer instead of relying solely on time for perfectly cooked chicken.
7. Serve with style: Allow the chicken to rest for 3 minutes out of the oven to let the juices redistribute, then plate and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Don’t skip searing the chicken; the golden crust locks in juices and adds flavor.
• Ovens vary, so always trust a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than timing alone.
• The blueberry sauce caramelizes beautifully in the oven for a glossy, flavorful finish without any complex cooking techniques.
• Store cooked chicken covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of chicken broth to prevent the sauce from sticking or drying out. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture and sauce consistency.
• Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Wine pairings such as crisp Pinot Grigio or light Pinot Noir complement the dish nicely.
• Variations include adding lemon juice for brightness, cinnamon and black pepper for warmth, fresh rosemary for more herbal depth, or substituting white wine for balsamic vinegar for elegant complexity.

Keywords: thyme chicken, blueberry sauce chicken, seared chicken breast, balsamic chicken, honey thyme chicken, oven baked chicken, easy chicken dinner