Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
Glaze and Sauce
- 1 cup blackberry preserves
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown to develop a flavorful crust.
- Prepare the glaze: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together blackberry preserves, bourbon whiskey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a medium bowl to create the sweet-savory sauce.
- Remove chicken from skillet: Once golden brown on both sides but slightly undercooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest briefly.
- Deglaze the skillet: Pour the blackberry-bourbon glaze into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom for extra flavor.
- Simmer the chicken in glaze: Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 7-8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add fresh blackberries: Stir in the fresh blackberries during the last 2 minutes of cooking to infuse freshness into the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon over the thickened blackberry bourbon glaze, garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Use fresh blackberries for a bright, natural burst of flavor; frozen can be used but will alter texture.
- Adjust bourbon quantity to taste for more or less alcohol flavor; alcohol will cook off during simmering.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to complement the rich sauce.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with extra balsamic vinegar or grape juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American