Easy Strawberry Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Savory Magic

Succulent chicken takes an unexpected turn with this strawberry chicken recipe that bursts with sweet and savory flavors.

Summer’s ripest berries merge seamlessly with tender meat, creating a dish that surprises and delights.

Bright red strawberries add a vibrant splash of color to your plate.

The combination of juicy chicken and fruity notes challenges traditional recipe boundaries.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between tangy and rich flavors.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Prepare to fall in love with an unexpected culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What You’ll Need for This Fruity Chicken Dish

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the base of this delightful dish.

• Strawberry Jam: Provides a sweet and fruity foundation for the sauce.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy depth and helps balance the sweetness of the jam.
• Water: Helps to thin and adjust the consistency of the sauce.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Creates a perfect searing environment for the chicken and prevents sticking.
• Fresh Basil, Goat Cheese, Fresh Strawberries: Offer a vibrant, fresh finish with contrasting textures and bright flavors.

How to Make Strawberry Chicken in Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Searing

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature.

Season chicken generously with salt on both sides.

Carefully place chicken into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown color develops and chicken is fully cooked through.

For thicker chicken breasts, extend cooking time slightly.

Step 2: Craft Vibrant Strawberry Sauce

• Strawberry jam
• Balsamic vinegar
• Water

Whisk ingredients together until smooth.

If sauce appears too thick, add an extra splash of water to create a more fluid consistency.

Step 3: Infuse Chicken with Fruity Glaze

Pour strawberry-balsamic mixture over nearly finished chicken.

Use a spatula to scrape up delicious browned bits from pan bottom.

Allow sauce to bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes, creating a rich, glossy coating.

Step 4: Enhance with Fresh Herbs

Stir most of the chopped basil into the sauce.

Let simmer for an additional minute to release aromatic herb flavors.

Step 5: Beautifully Plate and Garnish

Transfer chicken to serving plates.

Generously spoon remaining sauce over the top.

• Crumbled goat cheese
• Remaining fresh basil
• Thinly sliced strawberries

Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of sweet and savory flavors.

Tips for Balanced Sweet and Savory Flavor

• Control the sauce consistency by adding water gradually. A tablespoon at a time helps prevent over-diluting the rich strawberry-balsamic flavor.
• Keep heat at medium-high and watch the chicken carefully to achieve golden brown color without scorching. Uneven heating can lead to dry meat.
• Replace goat cheese with feta or mozzarella for different flavor profiles. Each cheese brings a unique texture and taste to the dish.
• Use fresh basil just before serving to maximize its aromatic qualities. Chopping herbs right before plating releases maximum flavor and brightness.
• Choose evenly sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking. Thinner cuts will cook faster and more uniformly, reducing risk of uneven doneness.

How to Store and Serve Strawberry Chicken Later

• Store leftover strawberry chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed container. Chicken will stay fresh for 2-3 months without losing taste quality.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated evenly.

Best Sides to Pair With Strawberry Chicken

• Pair Perfect Strawberry-Sweet Companions
• Complement Crisp White Wine: Opt for a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to balance the strawberry's sweetness and cut through the rich chicken sauce.
• Serve Refreshing Salad Sidekick: Whip up a light arugula salad with toasted almonds and lemon vinaigrette to contrast the dish's sweet and tangy flavors.
• Match Herbal Grain Backdrop: Prepare quinoa or wild rice pilaf with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to provide a neutral, earthy base that highlights the strawberry chicken's complexity.
• Enhance Creamy Cheese Accent: Add a small goat cheese crostini on the side to echo the crumbled cheese garnish and provide a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the main dish.

Flavor Ideas to Try With This Chicken Dish

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional strawberry jam with a certified gluten-free jam or homemade strawberry compote. Use gluten-free balsamic vinegar to ensure complete allergen safety.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap strawberry jam with sugar-free strawberry preserves or fresh strawberry puree. Reduce sauce quantity and use a keto-friendly sweetener for minimal carbohydrate impact.
• Dairy-Free Version: Omit goat cheese garnish completely. Replace with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for added protein and crunch without dairy components.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms. Maintain the same cooking technique and strawberry-balsamic sauce for a plant-based protein option that keeps the original recipe's flavor profile.

FAQs

• What makes the strawberry-balsamic sauce unique?

The combination of sweet strawberry jam and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a complex flavor profile that balances sweet and acidic notes, transforming a simple chicken dish into a gourmet experience.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Fresh chicken is recommended, but if using frozen chicken, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Frozen chicken might release more moisture, affecting the browning process.

• Is goat cheese necessary for the recipe?

While goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy element, it’s optional. If you don’t like goat cheese, you can skip it or substitute with feta or a mild white cheese that complements the strawberry sauce.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Why Strawberry Chicken Works Surprisingly Well

• Elevate your home cooking with this restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated meal without requiring professional chef skills.
• Prepare a delicious, flavorful dinner in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families or anyone craving a fast yet impressive meal.
• Experience a mouthwatering combination of strawberry sweetness and tangy balsamic vinegar that creates a unique, balanced flavor profile that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
• Suitable for various occasions from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings, this recipe appeals to both adults and kids with its approachable yet gourmet taste.

Strawberry Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent strawberry chicken brings Mediterranean flair to classic protein with sweet-tangy glazed elegance. Summer’s freshest berries dance perfectly with tender chicken, creating a delightful meal you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) sea salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) good quality balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water (extra if mixture is too thick)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons or finely chopped

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) strawberry jam
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) crumbled goat cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a skillet by heating olive oil over medium-high temperature until shimmering. Season chicken thoroughly with salt on both sides.
2. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust. Cook approximately 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Simultaneously create sauce by whisking strawberry jam, balsamic vinegar, and water in a separate bowl. Adjust consistency by adding water if mixture appears too dense.
4. When chicken is nearly cooked, cascade strawberry-balsamic mixture over proteins. Vigorously scrape pan’s caramelized fragments to intensify flavor profile.
5. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce, creating a glossy, concentrated glaze for approximately 2-3 minutes. Incorporate most chopped basil during this reduction process.
6. Transfer chicken onto serving plates, generously drizzling remaining sauce across surface. Artfully garnish with crumbled goat cheese, reserved fresh basil leaves, and delicately sliced strawberries.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Choose high-quality strawberry jam with minimal added sugars for a more natural, balanced flavor profile.
• Consider using a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Swap goat cheese with feta or plant-based alternatives for dairy-free dietary needs.
• Quickly pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve better golden-brown searing and crispier exterior.
• Use fresh strawberries at peak ripeness for maximum sweetness and vibrant sauce consistency.
• For low-carb variations, replace jam with sugar-free strawberry preserves or reduce sauce quantity.
• Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg