Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, pounded evenly)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Blackberry Glaze
- 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries (divided)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced, seeds removed for mild heat)
- ½ cup blackberry preserves
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons apple juice (or orange juice)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh basil or thyme (for garnish)
- Optional: small squeeze of fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the glaze: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and thinly sliced jalapeño. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then stir in blackberry preserves, water, apple juice, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate blackberries: Add half of the fresh blackberries to the skillet, lightly mashing some of them to release their juices. Let the mixture simmer briefly to combine the flavors.
- Finish the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the blackberry glaze over the top. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Finalize the sauce: Stir in the remaining fresh blackberries. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon the blackberry glaze over the breasts, and garnish with fresh basil or thyme. For an optional bright finish, squeeze a small amount of fresh lime juice over the dish before serving.
Notes
- For a milder heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before slicing.
- Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor and texture in the glaze.
- You can substitute apple juice with orange juice depending on availability.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce a little longer until desired consistency is reached.
- Pair this dish with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
