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Strawberry Basil Chicken

Strawberry Basil Chicken

Strawberry Basil Chicken is a wonderfully unique and surprisingly simple weeknight meal that combines the sweet tang of strawberries with the aromatic freshness of basil, all perfectly complementing tender chicken. This recipe is your go-to for an exciting yet approachable dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Minutes 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • optional garnishes: extra basil leaves, toasted slivered almonds, a drizzle of balsamic glaze

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. If using chicken breasts, you may want to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, Salt, Black pepper
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chopped strawberries to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
    2 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
  4. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey (or maple syrup), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
    1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened. Stir in the thinly sliced fresh basil.
    1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth), 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
  6. If you desire a richer sauce, stir in the tablespoon of butter until melted. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
    1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness), Salt, Black pepper
  7. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon the strawberry-basil sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer gently for another 1-2 minutes to warm the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
  8. Serve the Strawberry Basil Chicken immediately, spooning the luscious sauce generously over the top. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, toasted slivered almonds, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
    optional garnishes: extra basil leaves, toasted slivered almonds, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)

Notes

The flavors often meld and deepen beautifully overnight, making it a great candidate for leftovers.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.