This Blueberry Thyme Chicken is a beautiful skillet dinner that brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory to your table. Tender, juicy chicken is pan-seared to perfection and then coated in a glossy, rich blueberry thyme sauce, making for an elegant yet incredibly simple weeknight dinner.

My mother, Eva, found magic in her garden, pairing unexpected treasures like thyme and fresh blueberries. This recipe, inspired by a note in her handwriting, always reminds me of her gentle belief that a little sweetness can brighten any savory dish.

What Makes This Dish So Special

Flavor Profile: A delightful mix of sweet and savory, with earthy notes from the thyme balancing the sweet-tart blueberry sauce.
Perfect for Weeknights: This one-pan Thyme Chicken recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
Juicy Chicken Guaranteed: Searing the chicken first locks in the moisture, resulting in tender, juicy chicken every time.
Versatile Dish: This Blueberry Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, from mashed potatoes to a simple green salad.

Gathering Your Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)

A Couple of Tools I Find Helpful

A Trusty Skillet

A good, heavy-bottomed skillet is my trusted companion for this recipe. It ensures the chicken gets a beautiful golden-brown crust without sticking.

A Simple Meat Thermometer

To guarantee perfectly juicy chicken every time, I always rely on a meat thermometer. It takes all the guesswork out of knowing when the chicken is cooked through.

Bringing It All Together, Step by Step

Step 1: Creating That Perfect Golden Sear

First, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. A hot skillet is key to getting that beautiful golden crust. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. I always tell people not to overcrowd the pan; it’s better to cook in batches if you need to.

Step 2: A Moment of Rest for Juicy Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the incredible blueberry sauce. Letting the chicken rest is a small step that makes a big difference in keeping it juicy.

Step 3: Starting the Beautiful Blueberry Thyme Sauce

In the very same skillet (don’t wash it!), add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Stir in the fresh blueberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and fresh thyme leaves.

Step 4: Letting the Sauce Simmer and Thicken

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 6-8 minutes. As it cooks, I like to gently mash some of the blueberries with the back of a spoon; this helps to naturally thicken the sauce and release all their wonderful juices.

Step 5: Welcoming the Chicken Back to the Pan

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon that luscious blueberry thyme sauce over the top of each piece, ensuring every bite will be full of flavor. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through.

Step 6: The Final Flourish

Finally, plate your beautiful Blueberry Thyme Chicken. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the top and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme. It adds a lovely touch of green and a final hint of fragrance.

Close-up of Blueberry Thyme Chicken, pan-seared chicken with glossy blueberry thyme sauce, plump berries and herbs, simple skillet recipe for a flavorful dinner.

A Gentle Note on Nutrition

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. For precise nutritional values, I recommend using a trusted online calculator.

A Few Simple, Healthy Swaps

Reduce the Sugar: For a less sweet version of the blueberry sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with maple syrup or a sugar-free alternative.
Leaner Protein: While this recipe is wonderful with chicken breasts, it can also be made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. For an even leaner option, consider trying it with pork tenderloin medallions.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to the skillet. Sliced onions or shallots can be sautéed with the garlic, or you could stir in some spinach at the end until it wilts.

My Favorite Ways to Serve

With Creamy Sides: This dish is absolutely divine served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or polenta, which helps to soak up every last drop of the blueberry sauce.
With Grains: For a lighter meal, pair the chicken with fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous.
With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich and savory-sweet flavors of the thyme chicken.

My Secrets for Success

Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast can become dry if overcooked. Using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) is the best way to guarantee it’s perfectly cooked and still juicy.
Not Reducing the Sauce Enough: Be patient and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken. If it’s too thin, it won’t coat the chicken nicely. Gently mashing some of the blueberries helps this process along.
Cooking the Chicken Straight from the Fridge: Letting the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking helps it cook more evenly.

Keeping Your Leftovers Fresh

Any leftover Blueberry Thyme Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can do so gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. It’s best to store the chicken and sauce together to keep the meat moist.

From My Kitchen to Yours

There is so much joy to be found in a simple skillet meal, especially one that feels a little extra special. This recipe is a testament to my mom’s belief that the best meals are made with a touch of love and a hint of the unexpected. I hope this Blueberry Thyme Chicken brings warmth to your table and helps you create your own beautiful memories.

Answering a Few Common Questions

What If I Only Have Frozen Blueberries?

Yes, you can certainly use frozen blueberries. You may not need to thaw them, but be aware that they can release more liquid, so you might need to simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to achieve the right consistency.

Is There Another Herb I Can Use Instead of Thyme?

If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme, but remember to use about half the amount as dried herbs are more potent. Rosemary would also be a delicious alternative that pairs well with both chicken and blueberries.

Would This Recipe Work with Chicken Thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be a wonderful substitute. They are naturally more tender and forgiving if cooked a little longer. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Blueberry Thyme Chicken

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and rest under foil.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Add blueberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and thyme. Simmer 6–8 minutes, gently mashing some blueberries to thicken sauce.
Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over. Cook 2 minutes to heat through.
Plate chicken, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme.

Notes

For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Be patient with the sauce—allow it to reduce until glossy and thick enough to coat the chicken nicely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 320
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: blueberry thyme chicken, skillet chicken, sweet savory chicken, weeknight dinner