Ingredients
Scale
- 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry and generously season all sides with the kosher salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy. Remove the excess fat from the pan if needed, then flip the chicken.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the minced garlic and thyme sprigs to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan slightly by stirring in the chicken broth.
- Step 4: Add the fresh blueberries around the chicken pieces. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet (or transfer to a preheated 375°F oven), and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thin, return the skillet to high heat and quickly reduce the blueberry sauce until it lightly coats the back of a spoon, mashing a few blueberries to thicken.
- Step 6: Discard the thyme sprigs. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the blueberry thyme sauce over the top, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers (chicken and sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping in mind the chicken skin will soften once chilled.
- To regain maximum crispness, reheat the chicken uncovered in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, gently warming the sauce separately on the stovetop afterward.
- Pair this sweet and savory dish with creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes to ensure none of the delectable blueberry thyme sauce goes to waste.
- For truly spectacular crispy skin, ensure the chicken thighs are completely dry before seasoning, and resist the urge to move them during the initial 6-8 minute sear.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American