The Ultimate Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

The Ultimate Blackberry Balsamic Chicken is a deliciously sophisticated dish that turns simple chicken breasts into a glossy, flavorful meal. With a rich fruit glaze balancing sweet and tangy notes, it’s perfect for impressing guests or elevating weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (use a good quality one)
• 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 blackberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: As the sauce cooks, gently smash the blackberries with a fork to release juices but keep some texture.
4. Step 4: Continue simmering until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon with a glossy finish.
5. Step 5: Season 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 internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
8. Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen blackberries straight from the freezer; no need to thaw them first, which saves time.
• For a sweeter twist, substitute blackberries with fresh peaches to create a peach balsamic version.
• Try mixing blackberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry sauce.
• Add fresh rosemary or sage to the sauce for an herbal note that complements the fruit flavors.
• Enhance the sauce by adding a splash of red wine for extra depth and complexity.
• A meat thermometer is recommended for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
• Don’t rush the sauce; simmering the full 10 minutes ensures the ideal thickness and shine.

Storage

Cooked chicken keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheats nicely without drying out. You can prepare the blackberry balsamic sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it separately. Avoid freezing the sauce as the fruit’s texture changes unfavorably when thawed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen blackberries work perfectly and don’t require thawing before cooking. They soften nicely as the sauce simmers.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. It should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Juices should also run clear.

The Ultimate Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

This Ultimate Blackberry Balsamic Chicken recipe transforms simple boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a sophisticated meal featuring a glossy, tangy-sweet blackberry balsamic sauce. The combination balances sweet, tart, and savory notes beautifully, making it perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner. The sauce’s natural fruit sugars keep the chicken moist and flavorful, with nutritious benefits from fresh blackberries adding antioxidants and vitamin C.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Blackberry Balsamic Sauce

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

Other

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
2. Make the Blackberry Balsamic Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, gently smashing the blackberries with a fork as they soften to maintain some texture without turning them into mush.
3. Simmer Sauce to Thicken: Continue simmering the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. The sauce should become glossy and visually appealing.
4. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper, then place them evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
5. Coat Chicken with Sauce: Pour the thickened blackberry balsamic sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is completely covered with the flavorful sauce.
6. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear, indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Rest and Garnish: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving for an aromatic finish.

Notes

• Don’t rush the sauce; it needs the full 10 minutes to properly thicken and develop its glossy texture.
• Frozen blackberries can be used directly without thawing, making this recipe convenient year-round.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely and to perfection every time.
• Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheats well.
• The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored separately for convenience.
• Avoid freezing this dish as the fruit sauce’s texture changes upon thawing.

Keywords: blackberry chicken, balsamic chicken, baked chicken breasts, fruit sauce chicken, easy dinner recipes, gluten free chicken recipes