Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts brushed with a vibrant blueberry BBQ sauce infused with fresh lemon and thyme for a perfect summer meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs fresh blueberries, ketchup, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the blueberries break down and the sauce thickens; then blend slightly with a spoon to combine texture and set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Rub 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, basting with the blueberry BBQ glaze during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra blueberry BBQ glaze on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh blueberries from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Blueberry BBQ Glaze?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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