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These Blueberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs are delicious and easy to make summertime main dish. It’s paleo, whole30, and AIP.

Blueberry balsamic chicken thighs in baking dish

Blueberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs

I can’t get enough of fresh berries during the summer! Usually, blueberries are eaten by themselves or in sweet recipes like parfaits or blueberry crisps, but they can also be eaten in savory dishes like salads and even these blueberry balsamic chicken thighs!

These blueberry balsamic chicken thighs are a fun way to mix up the usual summer meal of burgers or grilled chicken. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors and are easy to make on a weeknight for a unique and tasty meal.

The Ingredients for Blueberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs

  • Chicken thighs (bone in and skin on is best)
  • Blueberries
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey
  • Fresh basil

How to Make Blueberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs

  • Using a small saucepan, combine the blueberries sauce ingredients in a small pan. Bring to a low simmer, stirring often for 10 minutes. The blueberries should soften and pop. Set aside. You’ll want the blueberry sauce to look like this…

Blueberry sauce on spoon

  • Using a large pan sear the chicken on each side for 5 minutes.
  • Using an oven-safe pan or casserole dish, pour the blueberry sauce over the chicken thighs. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
  • Bake in the oven for 20 minutes covered, and an additional 5 minutes uncovered.
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving with chopped fresh basil.

Can you use different berries for this recipe?

I haven’t tried to use different berries for this recipe, but I think blueberries would work best! If you do choose to try and swap the blueberries for something like blackberries, the rest of the ingredients in the sauce would likely need to be tweaked, so be sure to adjust to taste!

Can you use frozen blueberries?

You can use frozen, but fresh would be best. If you do use frozen, make sure they’re defrosted beforehand and be mindful of any extra liquid.

What should you serve as a side dish for this meal?

This recipe tastes great with a simple seasonal veggie on the side! Here are some options to try out…

How long can you store this recipe?

This recipe is best fresh, but you can also store it in the fridge for 1-2 days for the best flavor. To reheat the recipe, reheat in the oven under the broiled for a few minutes or until warm.

Chicken thighs in baking dish

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Blueberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Michelle
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

These Blueberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs are delicious and easy to make summertime main dish. It’s paleo, whole30, and AIP.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp honey (omit for whole30)
  • 1 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt, divided
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin on
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

 

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
  2. Using a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, balsamic, lemon juice, water, honey, coconut aminos, and half of the salt. Place the pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat and stir to combine. Bring to a low simmer, stirring often for 10 minutes. The blueberries should soften and pop. Set aside.
  3. Using a large pan (preferably one that is oven safe) heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Sear on each side for 5-7 minutes to crisp the skin. Set aside.
  4. Using an oven-safe pan or casserole dish, pour the blueberry sauce over the chicken thighs. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
  5. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes covered, and an additional 5 minutes uncovered. The chicken should be cooked through to 165 F.
  6. Allow to cool slightly before serving with chopped basil.

Notes

All nutritional information are estimations and will vary. Estimations do not include optional ingredients.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: Baked

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 189
  • Fat: 10.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 8.8g
  • Fiber: 0.9g
  • Protein: 15g