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Easy Juicy Blueberry Balsamic Chicken Recipe Perfect for One-Pan Meals

blueberry balsamic chicken - featured image

A quick and flavorful one-pan chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs cooked in a tangy blueberry balsamic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries (150 grams) (frozen thawed works too)
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (30 ml)
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml), extra virgin
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, and half the minced garlic evenly over both sides. Let rest for about 5 minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy. Avoid moving them too much.
  5. Flip chicken and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  6. Lower heat to medium, add remaining garlic to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  7. Add blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, chicken broth, and thyme. Stir gently, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  8. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and blueberries soften.
  9. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon sauce over each piece.
  10. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and sauce is glossy.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  12. Serve chicken drizzled with pan sauce and garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Avoid burning garlic by stirring gently and keeping heat moderate. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth before serving. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or steamed greens. Frozen blueberries can be used if fresh are unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: blueberry chicken, balsamic chicken, one-pan meal, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, juicy chicken thighs, blueberry sauce