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Grilled Strawberry Basil Chicken topped with fresh strawberry, basil, and red onion salsa, garnished with whole strawberries and basil leaves.
Linda

Strawberry Basil Chicken

This delightful Strawberry Basil Chicken brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for a vibrant, easy-to-make meal perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Contemporary
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper divided
For the Strawberry Basil Sauce
  • 1.5 cups fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced (chiffonade)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 0.5 tsp kosher salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.
Make the Strawberry Basil Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  2. Add the quartered strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, 0.25 tsp kosher salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have softened and the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly. You can gently mash some of the strawberries with your spoon for a chunkier sauce, if desired.
  3. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil beautifully.
  4. Slice the cooked chicken breasts against the grain, or serve them whole. Spoon the warm strawberry basil sauce generously over the chicken. Serve immediately.

Notes

Swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a richer, more forgiving cut of chicken. Just adjust cooking time as needed until they reach 165°F (74°C).
This dish is fantastic served with a side of fluffy quinoa, white rice, or a light green salad to soak up all that delicious sauce.
For an extra pop of flavor and texture, garnish with a few fresh basil sprigs and a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts right before serving.