The Ultimate Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

The Ultimate Blackberry Balsamic Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that transforms simple chicken breasts into an elegant meal. This recipe is perfect for those looking to impress with minimal effort and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (use good quality)
• 2 tbsp honey (raw or local preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
• 1 tbsp olive oil for the baking dish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the sauce cooks, gently smash the blackberries with a fork as they soften, keeping some texture.
4. Step 4: Continue simmering until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, developing a glossy appearance.
5. Step 5: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
6. Step 6: Pour the blackberry balsamic sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
8. Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh blackberries in season for the best flavor, but frozen works well too—just thaw before cooking.
• Add a splash of chicken broth to the sauce if you prefer a thinner consistency.
• Try serving over rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Substitute thyme with rosemary or basil for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It is best to thaw chicken breasts completely before cooking to ensure even baking and food safety.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?

You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms and follow the same sauce and baking instructions for a tasty vegetarian version.

The Ultimate Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

A delicious and elegant Blackberry Balsamic Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts baked in a sweet and tangy blackberry balsamic sauce. This dish combines fresh blackberries, rich balsamic vinegar, and honey for a glossy, flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the tender baked chicken breasts. Garnished with fresh thyme, it’s a stunning and tasty meal perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

Sauce

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (use good quality)
• 2 tbsp honey (raw or local preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Blackberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Smash Blackberries: As the blackberries soften during cooking, gently smash them with a fork to release juices, but keep some texture intact; avoid turning them into complete mush.
4. Thicken Sauce: Continue simmering the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and appears glossy and vibrant.
5. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides before placing them in the prepared baking dish.
6. Coat Chicken with Sauce: Pour the blackberry balsamic sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is fully covered in the rich sauce.
7. Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving to add aroma and color.

Notes

• Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor, but frozen can work well if thawed.
• Make sure to use a good quality balsamic vinegar to avoid bitterness and enhance the sauce’s sweetness.
• Honey adds natural sweetness; feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
• Resting the chicken after baking helps retain juices, making it more tender and flavorful.
• Internal temperature of 165°F ensures the chicken is safely cooked.

Keywords: Blackberry Balsamic Chicken, Baked Chicken Breast, Sweet and Tangy Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipes, Fruit Sauce Chicken