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Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 99 reviews

This Blackberry Balsamic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a luscious, tangy-sweet sauce made from fresh blackberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic. The sauce is simmered to a glossy finish and poured over the chicken before baking, infusing the meat with rich berry flavors. Finished with fresh thyme, this elegant yet simple dish offers a vibrant twist on classic baked chicken that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Sauce

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

For Baking

  • 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing the baking dish

Garnish

  • Fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking and to help with even cooking.
  2. Make Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to soften.
  3. Gently Smash Blackberries: As the blackberries soften, gently smash them with a fork without turning them into a puree. This keeps some texture in the sauce, enhancing its appearance and bite.
  4. Simmer Sauce to Thicken: Continue cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, becoming glossy and rich in color.
  5. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This ensures that the chicken is flavorful even before adding the sauce.
  6. Assemble and Coat: Place the chicken breasts evenly spaced in the greased baking dish. Pour the prepared blackberry balsamic sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
  7. Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken juices run clear, indicating that the chicken is fully cooked.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving for an aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor, but frozen blackberries work perfectly when fresh aren’t available.
  • Choose a quality balsamic vinegar to enhance the sauce depth and avoid harsh acidity.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain out the blackberry seeds after cooking.
  • Serve this dish with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: blackberry chicken, balsamic chicken, baked chicken breast, berry sauce chicken, healthy chicken dinner, sweet and tangy chicken

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/blackberry-balsamic-chicken-recipe/