Blueberry Balsamic Chicken

When I first stumbled upon the idea of making Blueberry Balsamic Chicken, I was skeptical. Can fruit really complement savory dishes? But then, one evening, I decided to give it a try after a long day. The kitchen filled with the sweet and tangy aroma of balsamic vinegar and fresh blueberries, and my doubts began to fade. The moment I tasted that perfectly cooked chicken, drizzled with the luscious sauce, I was hooked! This dish quickly became a family favorite, serving as a delightful centerpiece for dinner gatherings and a way to impress my friends during summer barbecues. The vibrant colors and flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

It’s remarkable how easy it is to transform simple ingredients into a gourmet experience with Blueberry Balsamic Chicken. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a meal at home, this dish never fails to impress. I love how it brings a touch of elegance to the table while being incredibly simple to prepare.

What Goes Into Blueberry Balsamic Chicken

The ingredients for Blueberry Balsamic Chicken are simple yet powerful. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. The key players include juicy chicken breasts, fresh blueberries, and aromatic rosemary, all coming together to create a symphony of taste.

• 2 Tbs Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing, this oil adds richness and helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken.
• 2 Tbs Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter – Adds a creamy texture and decadent flavor, enhancing the sauce.
• 4-6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The star of the dish, these tender cuts soak up all the delicious flavors.
• 2 Shallots – Thinly sliced for a hint of sweetness and depth in the sauce.
• 2 Cloves Garlic – Adds aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• 2 Cups Good Balsamic Vinegar – The key ingredient that brings the tangy and sweet elements together.
• 1/3 Cup 100% Real Maple Syrup – Balances the acidity of the vinegar with its natural sweetness.
• 1 Tbs Fresh Rosemary – Infuses the dish with a fragrant herbal note.
• 1 Cup Fresh Blueberries – Provides bursts of sweetness and a beautiful color contrast.
• 1 Teaspoon Salt – Enhances all the flavors, making them pop.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper – Adds a gentle kick to the dish.

Putting Together Blueberry Balsamic Chicken

Making Blueberry Balsamic Chicken is a straightforward process that’s as enjoyable as it is rewarding. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a delightful dinner!

1. Place the baking rack on the second highest rung in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and develops a lovely golden color.
2. In a large stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 Tbs of olive oil and 1 Tbs of unsalted sweet cream butter. As the butter melts and the mixture begins to shimmer, you know it’s time to add the chicken.
3. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper, using about half of your seasoning. Sear the chicken in the hot oil and butter mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown. This step locks in the juices and flavors.
4. Once seared, transfer the chicken to an oven-safe baking dish, like a 9×9 or 8×12 dish, and set it aside.
5. Add the remaining olive oil and unsalted sweet cream butter to the skillet. When the butter melts and the oil is glistening, add the shallots. Sauté until they become translucent, which should take a few minutes.
6. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing its aromatic flavor to infuse the mixture.
7. Pour the balsamic vinegar into the skillet all at once. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add incredible flavor.
8. Add in the maple syrup, rosemary, blueberries, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir everything together. The mixture will begin to bubble, creating an enticing aroma.
9. Reduce the heat to medium, stirring frequently. The mixture needs about 10 minutes to cook, during which the blueberries will collapse and the sauce will thicken slightly. Keep an eye on it!
10. Once ready, remove the skillet from heat and pour the blueberry mixture over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Ensure each piece is well-coated with the delicious sauce.
11. Finally, place the entire dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Recipe Notes about Blueberry Balsamic Chicken

Here are some tips to make your experience cooking Blueberry Balsamic Chicken even better. These insights will help you perfect the dish and tailor it to your preferences.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different berries like raspberries or blackberries for a unique twist.
• Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time. Simply reheat and serve for a quick, delightful meal.

Side Dish Ideas for Blueberry Balsamic Chicken

Serving Blueberry Balsamic Chicken offers a great opportunity to get creative with side dishes. Here are some ideas that pair perfectly:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes complement the sweetness of the chicken and add comfort to the meal.
• Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus adds a crunchy texture and balances the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and mint provides a light, healthy side that enhances the meal.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs serves as a great base to soak up the delicious blueberry sauce.
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers bring color and a smoky flavor to the plate.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy chicken.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the delightful sauce.

FAQ

Conclusion

Blueberry Balsamic Chicken is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. It’s not only easy to prepare but also impressively delicious, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Blueberry Balsamic Chicken

The ultimate comfort food with a twist! Blueberry Balsamic Chicken combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce, making for an easy weeknight dinner. With fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, it's a dish you'll want to make tonight!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 Tbs Olive Oil divided
• 2 Tbs Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter divided
• 4-6 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts not more than ¾ inch thick
• 2 pieces Shallots thinly sliced
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 Cups Good Balsamic Vinegar
• ⅓ Cup 100% Real Maple Syrup
• 1 Tbs Fresh Rosemary finely chopped
• 1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoon Pepper

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Place the baking rack on the second highest rung in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 Tbs of olive oil and 1 Tbs of unsalted sweet cream butter.
3. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper, using about half of your seasoning. Sear the chicken in the hot oil and butter mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown.
4. Once seared, transfer the chicken to an oven-safe baking dish, like a 9x9 or 8x12 dish, and set it aside.
5. Add the remaining olive oil and unsalted sweet cream butter to the skillet. When the butter melts and the oil is glistening, add the shallots. Sauté until they become translucent.
6. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
7. Pour the balsamic vinegar into the skillet all at once, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Add the maple syrup, rosemary, blueberries, and remaining salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
9. Reduce heat to medium, stirring frequently. Cook until the blueberries collapse, about 10 minutes.
10. Once ready, remove from heat and pour the blueberry mixture over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
11. Place the entire dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different berries like raspberries or blackberries.
• Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time.

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Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.