Description

Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a gourmet yet easy-to-make dish that brings together the sweetness of fresh blueberries with savory chicken and aromatic thyme. This one-pan recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The jammy blueberry-thyme sauce adds a touch of elegance, making it a delicious, nutritious meal that everyone will love. Serve this flavorful chicken dish with your favorite sides for a complete, mouthwatering dinner.

Ingredients

or the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil (use high-quality oil for searing)

For the Blueberry Sauce:

1 cup fresh blueberries (reserve a few for garnish)

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This ensures a flavorful crust.
Step 3: Make the Blueberry Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh thyme over medium heat. Gently smash the blueberries with a fork, allowing them to create a jammy texture. Let the mixture cook for 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is seared, pour the blueberry sauce over the chicken. The sauce should sizzle upon contact with the pan, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is recommended to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving. Drizzle the remaining blueberry sauce over the chicken and garnish with extra blueberries or fresh thyme for an elegant presentation.

Notes

Lemon Blueberry Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
Spiced Blueberry Chicken: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or black pepper for a warm, spiced flavor.
Herb-Crusted Version: Add fresh rosemary along with thyme for deeper herbal notes.
Wine Country Style: Replace 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar with white wine for a more elegant flavor profile.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Chicken
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American