Description
This Strawberry Basil Chicken is a light yet flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a sweet-tart strawberry balsamic glaze and fresh basil. It’s a refreshing twist on savory chicken, perfect for summer dinners or elegant weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- For the Strawberry Balsamic Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Strawberry Sauce: In the same skillet, add strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another minute until glossy.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the strawberry sauce over it. Simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors blend.
- Top with fresh basil and crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- Serve immediately with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Substitute strawberries with raspberries or cherries for variation.
- Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- This dish tastes amazing served cold over a bed of arugula as a salad!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American