Blackberry Chicken

Savor the delightful flavors of Blackberry Chicken, a beloved main dish that brings joy to Laura Van Ness and her family throughout the year, whether it’s summer or winter. A family favorite, this delicious chicken dish is made even more special by their tradition of going blackberry picking together. Laura cleverly freezes some of the berries from their jam and pie-making endeavors, allowing them to relish this flavorful chicken creation all year long. The combination of tender chicken with the sweet and tangy taste of blackberries creates a culinary experience worth cherishing.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons plus ½ cup fresh blackberries, divided
• ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ teaspoon paprika, divided
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 ounces each)
• 4½ teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a small bowl, mash 2 tablespoons of blackberries. Add ¼ cup of chicken broth, brown sugar, white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon of paprika, and ground cumin to the mashed blackberries. Stir to create a flavorful broth mixture.
2. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breast halves in an 11×7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour the prepared broth mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle the minced fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and remaining paprika over the chicken.
3. Bake the chicken, uncovered, at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165°F, basting occasionally with the pan juices. Once done, remove the chicken from the baking dish and keep it warm.
4. Skim the fat from the pan drippings. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and the remaining chicken broth until smooth. Gradually stir in the pan drippings. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Serve this flavorful sauce with the chicken and garnish with the remaining fresh blackberries.

COOK TIME: 20 minutes (Bake: 20-25 minutes)

YIELD: 6 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For a variation, you can try using boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, as they will also pair beautifully with the blackberry sauce.

TIPS:

• To enhance the presentation, serve the Blackberry Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad.

In conclusion, Blackberry Chicken is a delightful main dish that has become a cherished tradition in Laura Van Ness’s family throughout the year, making both summer and winter meals special and memorable. The joy of going blackberry picking together and preserving the surplus berries to create this flavorful chicken dish all year long adds an extra touch of love to each serving.

The combination of tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh blackberries creates a culinary masterpiece worth savoring. The recipe is simple yet packed with delightful flavors that complement each other beautifully.

To prepare this delectable dish, start by mashing 2 tablespoons of fresh blackberries and combining them with reduced-sodium chicken broth, brown sugar, white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, and cumin to create a rich and flavorful broth mixture.

Arrange the boneless chicken breast halves in a baking dish and pour the prepared broth mixture over them, sprinkling minced fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance the taste. Bake the chicken until it reaches the perfect level of tenderness, basting it occasionally with the pan juices for an added burst of flavor.

To create a luscious sauce to accompany the chicken, skim the fat from the pan drippings and combine cornstarch with the remaining chicken broth. Gradually stir in the pan drippings and let the mixture thicken to perfection.

For a delightful variation, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, as they will also pair beautifully with the blackberry sauce.

To complete this delightful meal, consider serving the Blackberry Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad, elevating the presentation and making it a truly memorable dining experience.

In conclusion, Blackberry Chicken is a delightful main dish that brings the flavors of summer and winter together with the sweetness of fresh blackberries. Whether enjoyed during a cozy winter evening or a sunny summer gathering, this family favorite will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come.