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blueberry-thyme-chicken-skillet-baked-recipe

Best-Ever Blueberry Thyme Chicken

Juicy skillet-seared chicken breasts marinated and baked in a sweet, tangy blueberry balsamic thyme sauce. Easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts slightly pounded for even thickness
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries fresh preferred over frozen
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for searing
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme chopped, or 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar good quality recommended
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan
  • Instant read meat thermometer
  • Large resealable bag or shallow bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, fresh thyme, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in fresh blueberries without crushing them.
  2. Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow bowl. Pour the blueberry marinade over the chicken, coat well, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Remove chicken from marinade and reserve the marinade and blueberries for the pan sauce.
  4. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Do not move the chicken too soon to allow a proper crust to form.
  5. Pour the reserved blueberry marinade over the seared chicken in the skillet. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  6. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Slice and spoon the blueberry pan sauce generously over the top before serving.

Notes

Marinate for the full 2 hours for the deepest flavor. Fresh blueberries work best. Store leftovers with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.