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Growing Good Food at Home

Week 3: Blueberries

Blueberries and chicken? Unusual, perhaps, but it’s a classic and beloved combination from the South of France that you just have to try!

Blueberries are a bit of an oddity in the culinary world. Tart and sweet at the same time, they don’t fit into any flavor category. Chicken, however, is just so versatile! It can be roasted, grilled, baked, sautéed — you name it. It’s really no surprise that chefs in the south of France decided to throw the two together and see what would happen.

The result is a dish that is both sweet and savory, with a slight acidic kick from the blueberries. It’s easy to make and impressive to serve. Blueberry Chicken is a perfect example of how to create a unique and delicious dish!

My family knows it’s a special weekend when I start picking up blueberries in our garden while chicken is waiting in the kitchen. Who doesn’t love a delicious and healthy meal?

While the blueberry gives this dish its distinctive flavor, honey and lemon juice also play essential roles. The honey balances out the tartness of the blueberries, and the lemon juice adds a bit of brightness. The dark Russian salad dressing provides a depth of flavor that ties everything together, while the dry onion soup mix gives the dish a bit of a savory edge.

I like to serve Blueberry Chicken over a bed of rice, but it would also be great with roasted potatoes or a simple salad. It’s up to you how you want to savor this unique dish that takes less than an hour to make!

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Blueberry Chicken

Blueberry Chicken

This date night recipe is a classic and beloved combination from the South of France that you just have to try! Our romantic Blueberry Chicken dish serves two and lends itself well to a bit of fancying up by turning the thighs into chicken lollipops.

  • Author: Norann Oleson
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 48 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2
  • Category: Entrées

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 chicken legs (alternatively, just thighs or drumsticks)
  • 12 ounces blueberries
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 12 ounces dark Russian salad dressing
  • 1 package dry onion soup mix

Instructions

  1. Wash and place blueberries in a large saucepan with the honey and lemon juice.
  2. Crush the blueberries with the back of a fork or potato masher, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
  3. Skim off any foam that rises to the top. When the mixture just starts to thicken, remove from heat. Let cool slightly, until mixture easily coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Add dry onion soup mix and Russian dressing, stir until combined.
  5. Preheat broiler to low.
  6. Pat chicken dry and prepare for oven.
  7. Place on baking sheet lined with foil or in a baking pan/dish that is broiler safe, and pour blueberry mixture over top.
  8. Place chicken under broiler and spoon over mixture every few minutes, turning chicken 1/4 turn at the same time to ensure even cooking. Any exposed chicken skin should be lightly golden and the blueberry mixture should thicken and caramelize further.
  9. Serve hot over rice or whipped potatoes!

Have you tried this recipe? You’ll impress your dinner guests when you prepare this unique dish—please tell us how it turned out for you.

Comments
  • Can they be made using chicken breasts? What about with an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

    Reply

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