Bored with basic chicken? It may seem counterintuitive, but simmering chicken alongside berries produces tender meat that is further enhanced by a complex sweet sauce that’s sure to become a family favourite.
Per serving:
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat large skillet or large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add oil, swirl to coat, and, once shimmering, place chicken in pan. Cook until browned on bottom side, flip and sear until browned on the other side, about 4 minutes total.
Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Add shallot, garlic, and mustard seeds (if using) to pan; heat for 1 minute, stirring often. Place broth in skillet and scrape up any brown bits from bottom of pan. Add berries, thyme, vinegar, cayenne, and cinnamon to pan. Bring to a simmer, return chicken to pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Stir in lemon zest; raise heat to high and boil sauce until slightly thickened, about 6 minutes, scraping bottom of pan occasionally.
Serve chicken topped with berry sauce and garnished with almonds and basil.