why make this recipe
Strawberry Chicken is a fresh, sweet, and savory dish that is easy to make. It uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. You can serve it for a weeknight dinner or a small get-together. The bright flavor of strawberries and basil makes the chicken taste special.
introduction
This recipe uses strawberry jam and balsamic vinegar to make a quick sauce that coats chicken breasts. It is simple and quick. If you like trying quick chicken meals, you might also enjoy a quick air fryer chicken sausage and veggies recipe for an easy side or second meal.
how to make Strawberry Chicken
Cook the chicken in a hot pan to get a good crust. Mix strawberry jam with balsamic vinegar and a little water to make a sauce. Pour the sauce in the pan near the end and let it simmer until it thickens. Stir in fresh basil for a bright taste and finish with goat cheese and sliced strawberries if you like.
Ingredients :
1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ½ teaspoon sea salt, 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))
Directions :
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat., Season chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt on both sides and place in pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side or until a nice golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through. {Cook time will depend on thickness of chicken breasts.}, Meanwhile, whisk together strawberry jam, balsamic vinegar and water in a small bowl. When chicken is just about finished cooking, pour mixture over the top, nestling the chicken breasts into the sauce and scraping up brown bits on the bottom of the pan., Reduce heat and bring sauce to a simmer, letting it bubble for 2-3 more minutes or until it has reduced and thickened a bit. Stir in most of the basil, and simmer for 1 minute. (You may want to save a little for garnish.), Remove chicken breasts from pan. Pour sauce over the top of each piece. Sprinkle with a little goat cheese if desired and garnish with remaining basil and sliced strawberries.
how to serve Strawberry Chicken
Serve the chicken hot with the strawberry sauce spooned over each piece. Good side dishes are rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Add steamed vegetables or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
how to store Strawberry Chicken
Let the chicken cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warm. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, stir in a little water when reheating.
tips to make Strawberry Chicken
- Pat chicken dry before cooking so it browns well.
- Use good quality balsamic for the best flavor.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it loosens.
- Save some basil and strawberries for garnish to keep the color bright.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Cook a little longer until done.
- Swap goat cheese for feta or leave cheese out for a dairy-free option.
- Add a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
A: Yes. Chop fresh strawberries and add a little sugar or honey to help make a sauce. You may need to cook it a bit longer.
Q: Is this dish good for kids?
A: Many kids like the sweet-sour taste. You can reduce the vinegar to make it milder.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and keep it in the fridge up to 2 days. Warm it and pour over cooked chicken.
Q: How do I know the chicken is cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). Or cut into the thickest part to check for no pink.
Conclusion
If you want another take on strawberries and basil with chicken, see this recipe for more ideas: Strawberry Basil Chicken recipe on Wholesomelicious.
Strawberry Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pat dry before cooking for better browning
- ½ teaspoon sea salt For seasoning
Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup strawberry jam Can substitute with fresh strawberries if desired
- 1 tablespoon good quality balsamic vinegar Use good quality for the best flavor
- 1 tablespoon water Extra if mixture is too thick
Finishing Touches
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves Cut into ribbons or finely chopped; save some for garnish
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese Optional; can substitute with feta or leave out for dairy-free option
- ¼ cup fresh strawberries Sliced; optional for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt on both sides and place in pan.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side or until a nice golden crust forms.
- Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Making the Sauce
- Whisk together strawberry jam, balsamic vinegar, and water in a small bowl.
- When chicken is just about finished cooking, pour mixture over the top, nestling the chicken breasts into the sauce and scraping up brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat and bring sauce to a simmer, letting it bubble for 2-3 more minutes or until it has reduced and thickened a bit.
- Stir in most of the basil, and simmer for 1 minute.
Serving
- Remove chicken breasts from pan, pour sauce over the top of each piece.
- Sprinkle with goat cheese if desired and garnish with remaining basil and sliced strawberries.