Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Discover a delightful twist on classic chicken with this Blueberry Thyme Chicken recipe. It combines juicy seared chicken breasts with a vibrant blueberry thyme sauce for a unique and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (high-quality for searing)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (reserve a few for garnish)
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Step 3: Sear chicken breasts in the skillet for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and thyme leaves to prepare the sauce.
5. Step 5: Pour the blueberry thyme sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken.
6. Step 6: Simmer the chicken and sauce together for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Step 7: Garnish the dish with the reserved fresh blueberries and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh thyme for a brighter herbal flavor; if using dried thyme, reduce the amount to avoid overpowering.
• For a richer sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine when simmering.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness of the blueberry sauce.
• If fresh blueberries aren’t available, frozen can be used—just thaw and drain before mixing the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

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 work well with this recipe. They may take a bit longer to cook and will add a slightly richer flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally dairy-free as it does not include any butter or cream, relying on olive oil for cooking and the blueberry sauce for flavor.

Blueberry Thyme Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 149 reviews

ThwBlueberry Thyme Chicken is a deliciously unique dish featuring perfectly seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant blueberry thyme sauce. This recipe balances savory and sweet flavors, creating an elegant meal perfect for any dinner occasion.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (high-quality for searing)

For the Blueberry Thyme Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries (reserve a few for garnish)
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Season all sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
2. Heat the Olive Oil: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and heat 1 tablespoon of high-quality olive oil until hot but not smoking, preparing for searing the chicken.
3. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear each side for 6 to 7 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of fresh blueberries, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme), mixing well to blend the flavors.
5. Add Sauce to Skillet: Pour the prepared blueberry thyme sauce into the skillet with the seared chicken breasts, ensuring the sauce surrounds the chicken evenly.
6. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with the reserved fresh blueberries for an appealing presentation, and serve the dish hot for the best taste experience.

Notes

• Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is fully cooked.
• Adjust honey amount if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
• Fresh thyme offers a brighter flavor, but dried thyme works well if fresh is unavailable.
• Serve this dish with simple sides like steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes to complement the sauce.

Keywords: blueberry thyme chicken, seared chicken breasts, blueberry sauce, savory and sweet chicken, skillet chicken recipe