Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner

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I still remember the first time I created this bourbon blackberry chicken dish – it was a cool evening, and I wanted something that felt hearty but also a little elegant. The sweet and tangy blackberry sauce paired beautifully with the tender chicken, and the smoky bourbon (which I now make using a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute) added depth that turned a simple dinner into a gourmet experience. Since then, this dish has become one of my go-to recipes for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

You will love this recipe because it’s an impressive dish that doesn’t require complicated cooking skills. The combination of sweet blackberries, savory chicken, and a flavorful glaze feels restaurant-quality, but it can be made in your own kitchen in under an hour. The sauce coats the chicken beautifully, keeping it juicy and tender while adding a burst of flavor in every bite.

This recipe is also versatile. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, fresh or frozen blackberries, and even adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce based on your preference. It pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad, making it easy to adapt to different meals or occasions.

Another reason to love this dish is its affordability. Chicken is one of the most budget-friendly proteins, and blackberries, while seasonal, can often be found frozen at a reasonable price. You don’t need exotic ingredients, just pantry staples like garlic, onion, and broth, which makes this meal accessible for most home cooks.

Ingredients for the Recipe:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey

  • 1 tablespoon non-alcoholic bourbon substitute

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Prepare This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making bourbon blackberry chicken may look like a restaurant-style dish, but the process is simple and beginner-friendly. The key is to cook the chicken until golden and then build a flavorful sauce right in the same pan, letting all the flavors come together beautifully.

  1. Prepare the chicken
    Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. This step helps the chicken develop a nice sear while keeping the flavor balanced.

  2. Sear the chicken
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

  3. Cook the aromatics
    Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

  4. Deglaze the pan
    Pour in the balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step adds rich flavor to the sauce and helps loosen any caramelized bits from the chicken.

  5. Add the sauce ingredients
    Stir in the chicken broth, non-alcoholic bourbon substitute, brown sugar or honey, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Mix well until the ingredients are combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

  6. Add the blackberries
    Stir in the blackberries, lightly mashing some of them with the back of a spoon to release their juices. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the berries to break down into a rich glaze.

  7. Return the chicken to the pan
    Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Turn the chicken occasionally to coat it evenly in the sauce.

  8. Adjust seasoning
    Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or sweetness if needed. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain out the blackberry seeds, but this step is optional.

  9. Serve and enjoy
    Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme or extra blackberries if desired. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in about 30–40 minutes from start to finish. Most of the time is hands-off simmering, which makes it an easy option even on busy weeknights.

Customizable

You can easily customize this recipe by using chicken thighs for a richer flavor, adjusting the amount of sweetener to make the sauce more tangy or more dessert-like, or even adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Popular with Many People

This dish has a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, which makes it a hit with both adults and kids. It works well for family dinners, date nights, and even as an impressive main course for dinner parties. The beautiful dark berry glaze also gives it a stunning presentation, making it look far more complicated than it really is.

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Bourbon Blackberry Chicken Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner

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Bourbon blackberry chicken is a savory and slightly sweet dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, fruity glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. The sauce is bursting with blackberry flavor, balanced by a hint of balsamic and a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute for depth.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon non-alcoholic bourbon substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, scraping up browned bits.
  5. Stir in chicken broth, non-alcoholic bourbon substitute, brown sugar or honey, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Add blackberries, lightly mashing some to release juice. Simmer 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over top. Reduce heat to low, cook 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Optionally strain the sauce for a smoother texture.
  9. Serve warm with extra sauce and garnish with fresh thyme or blackberries.

Notes

Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for juicier meat.

Frozen blackberries may require additional simmering to thicken the sauce.

Adjust sweetness or tanginess by modifying honey, brown sugar, or vinegar amounts.

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 35

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blackberries work perfectly. Simply thaw them slightly before adding to the sauce. They may release a bit more liquid, so allow the sauce to simmer a little longer to thicken.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

3. What can I serve with bourbon blackberry chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with pasta or quinoa for a complete meal.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and cook the chicken in it.

5. How can I make the sauce less sweet?
Reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey, and taste as you go. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or extra vinegar to balance the sweetness.

6. Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?
Yes, use a non-alcoholic bourbon-style syrup or a combination of apple juice with a small splash of vanilla extract for similar depth of flavor.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.

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