why make this recipe
This Strawberry Chicken recipe is quick, bright, and easy. It mixes sweet strawberries with tangy balsamic and makes plain chicken taste special. You can cook it on the stove in about 15 minutes and serve with rice, salad, or bread.
introduction
This dish is good for a weeknight meal or a simple date-night dinner. If you like trying different chicken ideas, you might also enjoy a savory option like garlic parmesan chicken meatloaves which uses bold cheese and garlic flavors.
how to make Strawberry Chicken
Heat oil and cook seasoned chicken until golden and done. Mix strawberry jam with balsamic and a little water, then pour it into the pan and scrape up the brown bits. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, add most of the basil, and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Finish with goat cheese, fresh basil, 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 hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or a green salad. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and sides. Add crusty bread to soak up sauce. Top with extra basil and a few fresh strawberry slices for color.
how to store Strawberry Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet on low so the sauce does not burn. Do not refreeze after thawing.
tips to make Strawberry Chicken
- Use room temperature chicken so it cooks evenly.
- Slice the breasts thin if they are very thick, or pound them a bit to even thickness.
- Taste the sauce before adding to the chicken; add a little more water if it is too thick.
- Use good quality balsamic for the best flavor.
- Save some basil and strawberries to garnish at the end for fresh color.
variation (if any)
- Swap goat cheese for feta or omit cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy touch.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts; cook a bit longer until fully done.
- Try blueberry jam or raspberry jam for a different fruit twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain them first. Fresh gives better texture, but frozen work in a pinch.
Q: Is strawberry jam too sweet for a main dish?
A: No, the balsamic vinegar and salt balance the sweetness. Taste and adjust water or vinegar if needed.
Q: How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
A: Use a meat thermometer. The internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part and make sure juices run clear.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and keep it in the fridge for a day. Warm gently before pouring over the cooked chicken.
