Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet (add a splash more oil if the pan seems dry). Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not not to burn it.2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing it to reduce slightly.1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Stir in the honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce (or tamari), and Dijon mustard. Whisk until well combined.2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Add the quartered strawberries to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, gently stirring, allowing the strawberries to soften slightly and release some of their juices into the sauce. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes here.1/2 cup fresh strawberries, red pepper flakes
- Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the strawberry basil sauce. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Just before serving, stir in the thinly sliced fresh basil. The heat from the dish will wilt the basil and release its aromatic oils for a burst of fresh flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
Notes
Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Optional: Toasted sesame seeds or chopped pistachios for garnish.