Name: Blueberry Chicken with Fennel and Thyme Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, cut into smaller pieces if required; Pinch of salt; Pinch of black pepper (optional); 1.5 cups blueberries; ½ small white onion, diced; 1 small fennel, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced or finely diced; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; Pinch of salt; Pinch of black pepper (optional)

If you’re looking for a dish that dazzles the senses and brings a surprising twist to your dinner table, then this Blueberry Chicken with Fennel and Thyme Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy chicken meets the bright, sweet burst of blueberries, while fennel and thyme add an irresistible depth, creating a harmony of flavors that’s both fresh and comforting.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

A beautiful balance of sweet and savory: Blueberries provide a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory notes of tender chicken and aromatic herbs.
Unique flavor combination: Fennel’s subtle anise flavor and fresh thyme elevate this recipe beyond typical chicken dishes.
Simple ingredients, impressive results: With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you get a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe impresses without stress.

The dish is shown in a white oval baking dish on a white marbled surface, with a striped towel beside it. There are four light golden brown pieces of cooked chicken arranged in the dish. Surrounding the chicken are dark purple and red cooked onions and berries that have softened and released their juices, creating a rich, glossy purple sauce that coats the bottom and edges of the dish. The sauce has some slightly caramelized and darker spots near the edge of the baking dish. At the bottom, outside the dish, there is a wooden bowl filled with fresh blueberries and a few loose blueberries scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Blueberry Chicken with Fennel and Thyme, blueberry chicken recipe, chicken with blueberries, fennel and thyme chicken, fruity chicken dinner

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this Blueberry Chicken with Fennel and Thyme Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s the juicy blueberries adding vibrant color and flavor or the fennel contributing a sweet, aromatic crunch. Together, they build a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breast pieces, plump blueberries scattered around, diced white onion, chopped fennel bulbs with feathery fronds, whole garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprigs with green leaves, and a small jar of golden maple syrup, all beautifully arranged with natural light highlighting their colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Blueberry Chicken with Fennel and Thyme, blueberry chicken recipe, chicken with blueberries, fennel and thyme chicken, fruity chicken dinner

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for easy cooking; cut into smaller pieces for faster, even cooking.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, they bring natural sweetness and gorgeous color to the sauce.
Fennel bulb: Adds a subtle licorice flavor and crisp texture to balance the juicy chicken.

White onion: Softens and sweetens to create the perfect aromatic base.
Fresh thyme leaves: Their earthy, woodsy flavor enhances the dish’s depth—dried thyme can work in a pinch.
Maple syrup: Sweetens the sauce naturally and adds complexity, but honey can be a good alternative.

Apple cider vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper: Essential basics that bring everything together harmoniously.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Blueberry Chicken with Fennel and Thyme Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces if they aren’t already. Season them simply with salt and pepper—easy but effective. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat, then place the chicken pieces to brown on each side, around 5-6 minutes per side. This golden sear locks in juicy flavors and creates a lovely texture before the oven finish.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Lower the heat once the chicken is done and set aside. In the same pan, toss in the diced onion and fennel, cooking gently in a bit more olive oil. Let them soften and sweeten for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step builds the fragrant base that your cocktail of flavors will build upon.

Step 3: Make the Blueberry Sauce

Next, add minced garlic, fresh blueberries, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring everything to a light simmer and let it cook for around 10 minutes. The blueberries will break down, creating a luscious sauce—feel free to gently press the berries to help them release their juice, but watch out for splatters!

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Transfer the seared chicken into an ovenproof dish, spoon the glossy blueberry sauce generously over the top, then bake in your preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes. This final baking step finishes cooking the chicken perfectly, infusing it with all the rich flavors from the sauce. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.

How to Serve Blueberry Chicken with Fennel and Thyme Recipe

The image shows two golden-brown grilled chicken pieces placed on a white plate. The chicken has a shiny glaze with dark pepper specks and a few small red bits on the surface. Fresh dark blue blueberries are scattered over and around the chicken, soaked in a dark glossy sauce that pools on the plate. Small bright green thyme sprigs rest on top of the chicken pieces, adding a fresh touch. The white plate contrasts with the rich colors of the food, and the background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Blueberry Chicken with Fennel and Thyme, blueberry chicken recipe, chicken with blueberries, fennel and thyme chicken, fruity chicken dinner

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a few whole blueberries scattered on top adds just the right amount of color and freshness when serving. Plus, a light drizzle of olive oil can add a subtle shine that amps up the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, especially carrots or asparagus, also complement the blueberry’s sweet note and fennel’s unique flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of warm quinoa or couscous, letting the blueberry sauce drizzle down the sides. You can also try plating with a small fennel salad on the side to echo the flavor theme and give a fresh crunch and contrasting texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week without sacrificing flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Pack portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its delicious taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet on low heat or warm in the oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving at high power for too long, as it can dry out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help keep it juicy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well for this recipe. They will break down nicely when simmered and add the same wonderful flavor to the sauce.
Is there a good alternative to fennel?

If fennel isn’t available, you can substitute with celery or leeks for a mild, aromatic crunch, though the anise note will be less pronounced.
Can this dish be made with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a flavorful and juicy alternative. Just adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs can take longer to cook through completely.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part. This ensures it’s safe and perfectly juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Chicken with Fennel and Thyme Recipe is a delightful twist that will excite your taste buds and become one of your new favorite meals to share. It’s cozy, full of surprises, and comes together so easily—definitely worth making again and again. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas and smiles!

Blueberry Chicken with Fennel and Thyme Recipe