Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that bursts with flavor and color? Introducing the delightful Blueberry Basil Chicken with Rice Pilaf! This American-inspired recipe combines succulent chicken breasts with the vibrant sweetness of blueberries and the aromatic freshness of basil, all served atop a fluffy rice pilaf. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family meal, this dish is not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll want to dive into this culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken is cooking, prepare the rice pilaf. In a separate saucepan, sauté diced onions in a small amount of olive oil until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add rice to the onions and stir to coat, toasting the rice for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- In the last 5 minutes of chicken cooking, add fresh blueberries to the skillet around the chicken, allowing them to slightly burst and create a natural sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken and blueberries during the final minute of cooking.
- Toast sliced almonds in a dry pan until golden brown, being careful not to burn.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes. Plate the rice pilaf, top with chicken breasts, and spoon blueberry basil sauce over the top.
- Garnish with toasted almonds and additional fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh blueberries and basil. Their vibrant taste will elevate the dish significantly compared to dried alternatives.
- Patience with Chicken: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the meat juicy inside.
- Perfect Rice Pilaf: Stir the rice well after adding it to the onions to ensure even toasting. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice, making it a perfect complement to the chicken.
- Don’t Rush the Blueberries: Adding the blueberries in the last few minutes allows them to burst and create a natural sauce. This adds a delightful sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the toasted almonds and extra basil for garnishing. They add a wonderful crunch and freshness that rounds out the dish beautifully.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain its juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the blueberries and basil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
