Description
This Savory Blueberry Thyme Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a flavorful marinade of fresh blueberries, thyme, honey, and balsamic vinegar for a quick and elegant dinner. The chicken is first marinated to absorb the aromatic flavors, then seared and baked to perfection, yielding a delicious balance of sweet and savory notes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade and Chicken
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tbsp Honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (or substitute with dried thyme)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 2 cups Fresh Blueberries (or frozen blueberries)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, fresh thyme, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a robust and aromatic marinade.
- Add blueberries: Gently fold the fresh blueberries into the marinade mixture to incorporate their sweet and tart flavor evenly without crushing them.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade with blueberries over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking after searing the chicken.
- Sear the chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Add marinade to skillet: Pour the reserved marinade with blueberries over the seared chicken in the skillet, enhancing the flavor and keeping the chicken moist during baking.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and spoon the blueberry sauce over the top before serving to enjoy the perfect blend of savory and fruity flavors.
Notes
- Marinating time can be adjusted; longer marinating (up to 2 hours) will deepen the flavor.
- Use fresh blueberries for best texture; frozen blueberries can be used but may release more liquid.
- The recipe pairs well with side dishes like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety.
- For a gluten-free meal, verify that all ingredients, such as balsamic vinegar, are gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
