Description
This Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken recipe offers a deliciously unique twist on classic chicken breasts, featuring a vibrant blueberry and balsamic glaze infused with fresh thyme. Juicy and tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a luscious sauce made with fresh blueberries, honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Simple yet impressive, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Add fresh blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme leaves, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Cook the sauce for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, developing a rich, tangy-sweet flavor.
- Finish Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the blueberry thyme sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the blueberry thyme sauce over them. Garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately for a stunning presentation and delightful taste.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh blueberries instead of frozen for a vibrant sauce texture and flavor.
- If fresh thyme is unavailable, substitute with 1/2 tsp dried thyme, but fresh herbs provide a better aroma.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey according to taste preferences.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to complement the flavorful sauce.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
