Description
Strawberry Chicken is a delightful and vibrant dish featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry-balsamic glaze. Enhanced with fresh basil, optional creamy goat cheese, and sliced fresh strawberries, this recipe offers a beautiful balance of flavors and colors making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Sauce and Garnish
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
- 1 tablespoon good quality balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water (extra if mixture is too thick)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons or finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon sea salt on both sides. Place them in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked through, adjusting time based on thickness.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: While the chicken cooks, whisk together ¼ cup strawberry jam, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Add extra water if the mixture is too thick.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: When chicken is nearly done, pour the strawberry glaze over the breasts in the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and scraping up browned bits from the pan bottom to enhance flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in most of the fresh basil and continue simmering for an additional minute to infuse flavor.
- Plate and Garnish: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place on serving plates. Spoon the strawberry basil sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle goat cheese on top if using, and garnish with the remaining basil and fresh sliced strawberries.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts; always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Optional goat cheese adds a creamy tang; substitute with feta if preferred or omit for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh strawberries used as garnish add texture and brightness but can be skipped if unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of water in the sauce to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or fresh greens for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
