Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Strawberries
Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Strawberries is a bright and tasty dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with the sweet and tangy flavor of ripe strawberries and a rich balsamic glaze.…
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Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Strawberries is a bright and tasty dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with the sweet and tangy flavor of ripe strawberries and a rich balsamic glaze. The glaze creates a beautiful shiny coating over the chicken, while the strawberries add a fresh, fruity contrast that makes every bite interesting and delicious.
I love making this recipe when I want something a bit different but still simple to pull together. The balsamic vinegar cooks down to a lovely syrupy glaze that tastes amazing with the chicken, and the sweetness of strawberries makes it feel fresh and special. One little tip I have is to make sure you don’t cook the strawberries for too long—they just need a quick toss in the pan at the end to keep their color and texture.
For serving, I like to pair this dish with a side of fluffy rice or a light green salad. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and a little fancy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or when friends come over. Whenever I make this, people always ask for seconds because the mix of flavors is just so easy to enjoy and keeps things exciting on the plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer darker meat, thighs work well too and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star for the glaze. Use a good-quality balsamic for richer flavor. If you don’t have balsamic, a mix of red wine vinegar and a pinch of sugar can work as a substitute.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries add sweetness and a pop of color. Avoid overripe or mushy berries to keep the texture fresh. Blueberries or raspberries could be interesting swaps if strawberries aren’t available.
Honey or Brown Sugar: These sweeten the glaze and balance balsamic’s tanginess. Maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives if you want a different sweet touch.
Fresh Basil and Red Onion: Basil adds herbaceous freshness, while red onion gives a mild bite without overpowering. If you don’t have basil, fresh mint or parsley also complement the dish nicely.
How Do You Make a Thick, Shiny Balsamic Glaze for the Chicken?
The balsamic glaze adds flavor and a pretty coating, so it’s key to get it just right. Here’s my approach:
- After cooking the chicken, lower the heat and add balsamic vinegar and sweetener to the hot pan. The pan’s leftover flavors start the glaze.
- Simmer gently—don’t rush! Stir the mixture now and then so it reduces without burning.
- Watch the glaze thicken and coat the back of a spoon; it should be syrupy, not runny.
- If you want it thicker faster, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, cooking for an extra minute.
- When you toss the chicken back in, coat it well and cook briefly for the glaze to soak in and stick.
Patience here pays off. Taking your time means a smoother, tastier glaze that clings to the chicken perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or grill pan – perfect for getting a nice sear on the chicken and making the balsamic glaze right in the same pan.
- Mixing bowl – handy for tossing together the strawberry topping evenly without crushing the fruit.
- Sharp knife – makes quick work of chopping strawberries, onion, and basil finely and cleanly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep your vinegar, honey, and spices balanced for that perfect glaze every time.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the glaze without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for pork tenderloin slices – it pairs well with balsamic and cooks quickly.
- Add crumbled goat cheese or feta on top – the creamy tang adds a nice contrast to the sweet strawberries.
- Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary with the basil – these herbs deepen the flavor profile and complement the glaze.
- Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to the strawberry topping – for some crunch and nutty richness.
Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Strawberries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Glaze:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening glaze)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes approximately 25-30 minutes total. About 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for cooking the chicken, making the glaze, and assembling the strawberry topping. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s easy to pull together after work or for a casual dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until it’s cooked through and nicely seared. When done, set the chicken aside.
2. Making the Balsamic Glaze:
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar). Stir the mixture occasionally and let it simmer gently for about 5 to 8 minutes, until it reduces and thickens into a glaze. For a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with water, add it to the pan, and cook for an extra minute. Then, put the chicken back in and coat it thoroughly with the glaze. Cook everything together for 1 to 2 more minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavor.
3. Preparing the Strawberry Topping and Serving:
While the glaze reduces, combine the diced strawberries, finely chopped red onion, and sliced basil in a bowl. Toss gently to mix. Serve the glazed chicken on plates topped generously with the fresh strawberry mixture. Drizzle any extra glaze from the pan over the top. Enjoy with rice, salad, or your favorite side dish.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.
How Can I Make the Balsamic Glaze Thicker?
Let the balsamic vinegar and honey simmer gently until it reduces by about half and becomes syrupy. If you want it thicker faster, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and cook for an additional minute.
Can I Prepare the Strawberry Topping Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can chop and mix the strawberries, red onion, and basil a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. To preserve freshness, add the basil right before serving if possible.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve with This Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. Roasted vegetables or crusty bread also complement the balsamic glaze and fresh strawberries nicely.
