If you are looking for a unique way to liven up a standard chicken dinner, this Strawberry Basil Chicken is the perfect “easy-peasy” spring recipe. Created by Dianna Muscari of The Kitchen Prep Blog, this dish proves that strawberry jam and chicken are a surprisingly lovely pair. The chicken breasts are seared until golden and juicy, then nestled into a sweet and sticky strawberry balsamic glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the pan.
This strawberry chicken recipe is a savior for busy weeknights, taking only 20 minutes from prep to plate. The addition of fresh basil at the very end provides a peppery, herbaceous contrast to the tangy balsamic and sweet jam. It’s a sophisticated-looking meal that is simple enough for any home cook to master.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Only 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of savory chicken, tart vinegar, and sweet berries is a gourmet experience.
- Versatile: Served with a side salad or sautéed vegetables, it makes for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Pantry Staples: Uses common ingredients like jam and balsamic vinegar to create a high-impact sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- ½ tsp Sea Salt
- ¼ cup Strawberry Jam (High quality, seedless preferred)
- 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Water (extra if mixture is too thick)
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil Leaves, cut into ribbons (chiffonade)
- Optional Garnish: 2 Tbsp crumbled Goat Cheese and ¼ cup sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with sea salt on both sides. Place them in the hot pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is nearly cooked through.
2. Prepare the Glaze
While the chicken is browning, whisk together the strawberry jam, balsamic vinegar, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Simmer and Thicken
Once the chicken is flipped and nearly finished, pour the jam mixture over the top. Nestle the chicken into the sauce and use a spatula to scrape up any brown bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat and let the sauce bubble for 2–3 minutes until it thickens into a sticky glaze.
4. Add Basil and Garnish
Turn the chicken to fully coat it in the glaze. Stir in most of the basil and simmer for just 1 minute. Remove the chicken from the pan, pour the remaining sauce over the top, and garnish with goat cheese, fresh strawberry slices, and the remaining basil.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning to ensure you get a good crust. The better the sear, the better the final flavor.
- Watch the Sugar: Because of the high sugar content in the jam, the sauce can scorch easily. Keep an eye on it once it starts bubbling and reduce heat if it looks like it’s burning.
- Seedless is Best: Using a seedless jam provides a much smoother, more elegant-looking glaze.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to sit for 3–5 minutes after cooking to ensure the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
Variations
- Grilled Version: Grill the chicken separately and toss the berries and basil in a balsamic reduction to use as a fresh topping instead of a cooked glaze.
- Spicy Berry: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a “sweet and heat” combination.
- Berry Medley: Use a Four-Berry jam or raspberry preserves if you don’t have strawberry on hand.
- Salad Topper: Slice the glazed chicken and serve over a bed of spinach with pecans and extra goat cheese.
FAQ: Strawberry Basil Chicken
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries? A: Yes, for the garnish, though fresh is better for texture. For the sauce, the jam provides the main flavor, so frozen berries won’t affect the glaze itself.
Q: Is this recipe healthy? A: It is a relatively lean protein dish. If you are watching your sugar intake, you can use a low-sugar fruit spread or “all-fruit” preserves.
Q: What should I serve with this? A: It pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, a simple arugula salad, or even a side of quinoa to soak up the extra balsamic glaze.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs? A: Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay very juicy and work great with this glaze; just increase the initial sear time by 2–3 minutes per side.
Strawberry Basil Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ cup strawberry jam (seedless preferred)
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp water (more if needed)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- 2 Tbsp crumbled goat cheese (optional garnish)
- ¼ cup fresh strawberries, sliced (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with sea salt and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through.
- Whisk strawberry jam, balsamic vinegar, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Pour glaze over chicken. Reduce heat and simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits, until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Turn chicken to coat in glaze. Stir in most of the basil and cook 1 minute. Remove from heat, spoon sauce over chicken, and garnish with goat cheese, strawberries, and remaining basil.