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Blueberry Thyme Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to a Juicy, Flavorful Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 139 reviews

Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a luscious mix of fresh blueberries, thyme, garlic, honey, and balsamic vinegar. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and then baked with the blueberry-infused marinade to create a juicy, aromatic entree that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

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, chopped thyme, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
  2. Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the marinade mixture, being careful not to crush them to retain their shape and texture.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the blueberry marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to maximize flavor infusion.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
  5. Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Remove chicken breasts from marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  6. Add Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade with the blueberries over the seared chicken in the skillet, distributing it evenly around the meat.
  7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  8. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing tenderness and flavor.
  9. Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and generously spoon the warm blueberry thyme sauce over the top before serving for a delicious finishing touch.

Notes

  • Do not crush the blueberries when mixing them into the marinade to maintain their texture.
  • Marinating longer than 2 hours is not recommended as the acid in balsamic vinegar may start to break down the chicken texture too much.
  • If unable to find fresh thyme, dried thyme works well but use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
  • An oven-safe skillet is essential for searing the chicken on the stovetop and finishing in the oven without transferring to another dish.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently; the blueberry sauce tastes great as a topping for salads or roasted vegetables too.

Keywords: Blueberry Thyme Chicken, Baked Chicken Breast, Blueberry Sauce Chicken, Healthy Chicken Dinner, Herb Chicken Recipe

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/blueberry-thyme-chicken-the-ultimate-guide-to-a-juicy-flavorful-delight-recipe/