Grilled Chicken with Blackberry Rosemary Cabernet Glaze and a Blackberry Chutney

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I walked into my local Walmart earlier this week and our produce section was overflowing with Berries!  I love this time of year because the prices are reasonable and the selection is abundant, beautiful, and delicious.  We are fortunate that my kids enjoy all types of berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, and some weeks we purchase all 3!  I’ve created a TON of strawberry recipes, both sweet and savory, but I hadn’t really explored incorporating blackberries into dishes, particularly savory dishes.  Blackberries are rich in nutrients, including fiber, folate, Vitamin C, and other antioxidants, so finding new ways to incorporate them into our diet was an exciting challenge.  Since my kids eat more blackberries than other berries, I thought I’d create a Blackberry Rosemary Cabernet Glaze and a Blackberry Chutney Recipe to go along with a simple grilled chicken.

Before I purchase a new fruit, I like to visit our local grower’s website for tips on selection and storage, particularly because fruits like berries  only last a few days.  Courtesy of Driscoll’s, here is what you need to know about selecting and storing blackberries:

How to Select Blackberries

1. Look for berries with a deep, even color and a nice sheen.

2. Look for berries that are plump, dry, and free from dents or bruises.

3. Turn the container over and inspect for mold (which may appear whitish in color).

3. Blackberries can range in color from deep blue/purple to deep purple/black and this natural, two-tone color does not affect how ripe the berry is.

How to Store and Handle Blackberries

1. Refrigerate blackberries once purchased and keep them dry.

2. Blackberries should keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

3.  Wash blackberries carefully in cold water right before using or consuming, since they are particularly fragile. Washing and then storing blackberries will promote the growth of mold, which is very common with blackberries.

Blackberries have this earthy flavor that some say resembles wine, which is why I thought a Cabernet was the perfect ingredient to enhance their natural flavor.  Because they aren’t overly sweet, they complimented our savory meal nicely.  If you’re looking to incorporate more blackberries into your diet, I highly recommend checking out this incredible selection of gourmet inspired blackberry recipes.

I shopped at my local Walmart for our ingredients, which included organic chicken breasts, fresh rosemary, Cabernet-Sauvignon, and shallots. Surprisingly, everything I needed for our gourmet meal was available, save the Truffle Oil (which is actually very difficult to find). Here is my recipe for Grilled Chicken with Blackberry Rosemary Cabernet Glaze and a Blackberry Chutney.

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Grilled Chicken with Blackberry Rosemary Cabernet Glaze and a Blackberry Chutney

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 shallot chopped
• 2 tsp . olive oil
• 1 cups red wine I used a Cabernet-Sauvignon
• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 1 tsp . lemon zest
• juice from 1/2 lemon
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp . sugar
• 1/4 tsp . salt
• 2 Tbsp Agave Nectar or Honey

Instructions

1. Sauté shallots in olive oil on medium heat until nearly translucent.
2. Raise heat to medium-high and add wine, blackberries, and rosemary.
3. Bring to a boil and reduce the liquid slightly for about 5 minutes, ensuring the ingredients don’t stick to the pan.
4. Mash the berries with the back of the spoon into a lumpy texture.
5. Reduce heat and add lemon juice, zest, salt and sugar.
6. Stir occasionally and allow to simmer for another 20-30 minutes until mixture is reduced to about 1/2 the original amount.
7. Remove from heat.
8. Remove Rosemary sprigs and press mixture through a sieve to separate liquid from solids. (you should have approximately 3/4 cup solids and 3/4 cup liquid).
9. Add 1 tablespoon agave nectar to solids and mix together thoroughly to create a blackberry chutney topping.
10. Note: Blackberry mixture and liquid can be stored in the refrigerator at this point, if prepping ahead of time, and reheated/reduced further before serving.
11. Return liquid to a clean pan on medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon Agave nectar and reduce to a thick glaze consistency.

Grilled Chicken Recipe

Marinate chicken breasts overnight in-

1/2 Cup lemon juice

1/2 cup white wine

1/2 tsp Garlic powder

1/2 tsp dry thyme

dash salt/pepper

I served the Grilled Chicken with a white truffle mushroom risotto and oven-roasted brussels sprouts. The meal, which although time-consuming, felt like the type of meal we would have at a gourmet restaurant. What I love about each dish is that we used fresh, real ingredients and incorporated a unique blend of herbs, spices, and vegetables.

Berries traditionally have been incorporated into sweet dishes but I love showcasing the versatility of blackberries and yet one more creative way to get healthy foods like fruit into your diet.

With blackberries now in season, you’ll find 12 ounce packages at your local Walmart for $3.99.

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Caryn Bailey

Caryn is a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night and mom 24/7. She savors the warm Southern California sun and loves to travel, shopping, baking, reading and frequenting her local tea room. Caryn created the column Lavishly Green for Peekaboo Picks Magazine to share her best tips for going green in style, she is the Former editor for Family Review Network, former OC Family Magazine online contributor, former Orange County Moms Blog contributor, former Evenflo Savvy Parent contributor, former member of the Totsy Advisory Board and former freelance writer for CBS Los Angeles.

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