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Juicy Bourbon Blackberry Chicken: A Sweet-Savory Affair Recipe

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4 from 42 reviews

Juicy Bourbon Blackberry Chicken is a delightful sweet-savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a rich blackberry and bourbon sauce. This recipe balances fruity blackberry preserves, bold bourbon whiskey, and tangy balsamic vinegar, enhanced by garlic and fresh thyme. Perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner, it delivers flavorful, moist chicken with a vibrant blackberry glaze.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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

  1. Season the chicken: Generously season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor before cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Remove chicken from skillet: Once golden brown on both sides but slightly undercooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest briefly.
  5. Deglaze the skillet: Pour the blackberry-bourbon glaze into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom for extra flavor.
  6. 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.
  7. Add fresh blackberries: Stir in the fresh blackberries during the last 2 minutes of cooking to infuse freshness into the sauce.
  8. 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.
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American