If you’re craving something that’s just a little bit fancy but totally doable on a weeknight, this Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe is it. I absolutely love how the sweet and tangy blackberry glaze with a splash of bourbon transforms simple chicken breasts into something really special. You’ll find that the rich flavors actually come together in under 30 minutes, making it an easy but impressive dinner to serve any night of the week. Let me share how I make mine so you can nail it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: You don’t need a dozen fancy items; most are pantry staples and fresh blackberries.
- Flavor-packed glaze: The bourbon and blackberries create this amazing balance of sweet, tangy, and boozy that elevates the chicken.
- Quick weeknight meal: You get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup.
- Crowd-pleaser: I’ve served this to family and friends and it always gets rave reviews — even from blackberry skeptics!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here works beautifully together to create that rich, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken. When you shop, look for fresh blackberries that are plump and dark for the best flavor, and a decent-quality bourbon to really make that glaze shine.
- Blackberry preserves: This is the base of the glaze, providing sweetness and blackberry flavor without extra prep.
- Water: Helps loosen the preserves so the sauce is the perfect consistency, not too thick or sticky.
- Bourbon: Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness — don’t skip this or substitute with plain alcohol-free liquids.
- Balsamic vinegar: Gives a subtle tang and depth that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything blend smoothly.
- Dijon mustard: Just a touch for that little zing that cuts through the sweetness.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brightens up the glaze and flavors the chicken.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the glaze and chicken, bringing out the flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pound them even so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken seasoning.
- Fresh blackberries: Used to cook with the sauce and for garnish — they add freshness and a pop of texture.
- Fresh thyme: Adds a lovely herbal note that complements the blackberries and bourbon perfectly.
Variations
I often like to tweak this Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — that’s what cooking is all about!
- Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze to give it a little extra heat, which my family loves.
- Chicken thighs substitution: If you prefer dark meat, bone-in thighs can be used instead — just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegan twist: I’ve experimented with pan-seared tofu or seitan, using the same glaze, and it works surprisingly well.
- Seasonal swaps: In fall or winter, swapping blackberries for frozen ones or even cranberries can add a holiday vibe.
How to Make Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Glaze
Start by combining the blackberry preserves, water, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Give it a good whisk until everything is smooth and well incorporated. I discovered that whisking it early lets those flavors meld a bit before hitting the stove — your glaze will taste richer that way.
Step 2: Season Your Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this step is key to getting a nice sear. In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika, then season both sides of the chicken evenly. I like using paprika because it adds a subtle smoky flavor and helps the chicken develop a gorgeous golden color.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil’s shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes on the first side so they get a beautiful crust. Flip and cook another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If your skillet gets too hot, lower the heat—burnt edges can ruin the delicate flavors.
Step 4: Sauté Blackberries and Glaze the Chicken
Remove the chicken and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of fresh blackberries and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release juice. Then pour in your berry glaze, gently stirring to coat the berries. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the glaze over. Let everything simmer together for another 1-2 minutes so the chicken warms through and soaks up that amazing sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
To serve, spoon the glossy blackberry glaze over the chicken and garnish with the half cup of reserved fresh blackberries and sprigs of fresh thyme. It adds a fresh herbal note and looks gorgeous on the plate!
Pro Tips for Making Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe
- Even Thickness Matters: Pounding chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly without drying out—trust me, it makes a huge difference.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest covered after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
- Use Fresh Blackberries: Cooking fresh berries in the sauce adds brightness and texture you won’t get with just preserves.
- Control the Heat: Medium heat is key to avoid burning the glaze—stir gently and watch closely as the sauce thickens.
How to Serve Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love to garnish this dish with fresh thyme sprigs and a handful of fresh blackberries. The thyme brings an elegant herbal aroma and the berries add bursts of juiciness that complement the sauce perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll add a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds for a little crunch, which adds a fun texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up the incredible glaze. I also enjoy a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans tossed in garlic and olive oil—they add just the right amount of earthiness and color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to slice the chicken and fan it out on plates, then drizzle extra glaze over the top with fresh herbs and some whole blackberries artfully scattered around. Serving it over creamy risotto or wild rice also makes it feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover Bourbon Blackberry Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce holds up well, which means reheating is just as tasty as freshly made. Make sure to cover it well so the chicken doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times by freezing the chicken separately from the sauce. Freeze the chicken breasts in a single layer and the glaze in a sealed container or freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently together on the stovetop. The flavor withstands freezing nicely, though fresh berries are best added after thawing if possible.
Reheating
To reheat, I simmer the chicken and sauce over low heat on the stove, covering the pan to keep moisture in. This method keeps the chicken tender and prevents the glaze from sticking and burning. A quick 5-7 minute reheat is usually enough to warm everything through.
FAQs
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Can I make this Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice or water mixed with a splash of vanilla extract for a subtle sweetness. While it won’t have the exact same depth, the glaze will still be delicious and flavorful.
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What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag, then gently pound using a meat mallet or rolling pin, starting from the center and working outwards. This helps the breasts cook evenly and stay tender.
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Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen blackberries will work if fresh aren’t available—but I recommend thawing and draining them before cooking to avoid excess liquid diluting the glaze.
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How long does this dish take to prepare?
The total time is about 30 minutes: 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes to cook, making it great for weeknight meals.
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What sides pair well with Bourbon Blackberry Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans, and wild rice all complement the flavors of this dish beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe is truly one I find myself making time and again — partly because it’s impressively flavorful yet surprisingly simple. I love how the bourbon and blackberries come together to give something ordinary a special twist. Whether you’re cooking for your family or want to impress guests, this recipe delivers every time without stress. I honestly can’t recommend trying it enough — it’s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bourbon Blackberry Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich and tangy blackberry glaze enhanced by bourbon and balsamic vinegar. The glaze, made from fresh blackberries and sweet preserves, adds a burst of fruity flavor perfectly balanced with garlic and Dijon mustard. Garnished with fresh thyme and more blackberries, this elegant yet easy skillet dish is ideal for a delightful dinner that blends sweet and savory in every bite.
Ingredients
Blackberry Glaze:
- ½ cup (72 g) blackberry preserves
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts), pounded to an even thickness
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ cups (216 g) fresh blackberries, divided
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Blackberry Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together blackberry preserves, water, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to ensure good searing and even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with this spice blend.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them, to develop a golden crust. Flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning. Remove cooked chicken from skillet and transfer to a plate; cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Blackberries: Add 1 cup of fresh blackberries to the same skillet and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the berries soften and release their juices, deglazing the pan.
- Add and Simmer the Glaze: Pour the prepared blackberry glaze into the skillet with the softened blackberries. Stir gently to coat the berries and let the glaze simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm and slightly thicken.
- Combine Chicken and Glaze: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the blackberry glaze over them. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the chicken through and allow it to absorb the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts, spoon generous amounts of blackberry glaze on top, and garnish with reserved fresh blackberries and sprigs of fresh thyme for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- You can substitute bourbon with apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to even thickness to promote uniform cooking.
- Use fresh blackberries for best flavor, but frozen can be used if thawed beforehand.
- Monitor heat closely during cooking to prevent glaze burning due to sugar content in the preserves.
- Leftover glaze can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used as a sauce or marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze (approx. 7 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
