Description
Strawberry Basil Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines juicy pan-seared chicken with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze and a refreshing strawberry-basil topping. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. This recipe celebrates seasonal freshness, with strawberries adding natural sweetness, basil bringing herbal brightness, and balsamic vinegar tying it all together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta or mozzarella pearls for garnish
Optional Add-Ons:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- A drizzle of aged balsamic for extra depth
- Toasted pine nuts for crunch
Equipment:
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until thickened and reduced by half. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internally).
- Make the Strawberry Basil Topping: In a bowl, combine diced strawberries, basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss gently.
- Assemble: Place chicken on plates, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and top with the strawberry-basil mixture. Garnish with feta or mozzarella if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for a rich, balanced glaze.
- Don’t overcook the chicken — juicy texture is key.
- Add lemon juice or zest to brighten the glaze.
- For a smoky twist, try grilled chicken instead of pan-seared.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat gently. Strawberries are best added fresh before serving.
- Skip the cheese or use dairy-free feta for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared / One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Strawberry Basil Chicken, Strawberry Balsamic Chicken, Chicken Dishes Recipes, Balsamic Chicken with Strawberries, Fresh Poultry Recipes, Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Feta