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Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 130 reviews

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender, marinated chicken breasts cooked in a savory blueberry and thyme glaze. This recipe combines fresh blueberries, fragrant thyme, garlic, and a touch of honey and balsamic vinegar to create a delightful sauce that perfectly complements the juicy chicken. Easy to prepare and impressive in presentation, it’s perfect for a special dinner or gatherings.

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, thyme, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a balanced marinade that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
  2. Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them, so they maintain their shape and burst with flavor during cooking.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating each breast thoroughly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
  4. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking after searing the chicken.
  5. Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil, remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade), and sear each breast for 3-4 minutes on both sides until golden brown to lock in juices and develop flavor.
  6. Add Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade, including the blueberries, over the seared chicken in the skillet, allowing the sauce to mingle with the chicken as it bakes.
  7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  8. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and flavorful meat.
  9. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and spoon the blueberry-thyme sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve alongside complementary sides for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh blueberries instead of frozen for better texture and flavor.
  • Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Letting the chicken rest after baking keeps it moist and juicy.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
  • Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.

Keywords: Blueberry chicken, Thyme chicken, Baked chicken breasts, Fruit glaze chicken, Healthy chicken recipe, Easy dinner, Gluten free chicken recipe