Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The strawberry jam creates a delightful glaze for the chicken, while the balsamic vinegar adds a hint of tanginess that balances the sweetness. Fresh basil adds an aromatic element, and the crumbled goat cheese (if used) adds a creamy, slightly tangy finish. It’s a perfect combination of flavors that will elevate your chicken dinner to a whole new level. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, ideal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup strawberry jam
• 1 tablespoon good quality balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon water (extra if mixture is too thick)
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons or finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with sea salt on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Strawberry Sauce: In the same skillet, add the strawberry jam, balsamic vinegar, and water. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Finish the Dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the strawberry sauce over the chicken, and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the sliced basil over the chicken. If using, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and sliced fresh strawberries on top for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use grilled or pan-seared tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the strawberry sauce for a touch of heat.
• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can use feta or even mozzarella as a substitute.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to the sauce if needed to keep it from thickening too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to fully thaw them before cooking, or adjust the cooking time if you’re cooking them from frozen.

2. Can I use a different type of jam?

While strawberry jam works best for this recipe, you can also try raspberry or peach jam for a different flavor profile.

3. What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

You can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. If you don’t have vinegar, a splash of lemon juice can add a nice tang.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. When ready to serve, just reheat the chicken and sauce and garnish with fresh basil and cheese.

5. Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, feta cheese or mozzarella would also work well if you don’t prefer goat cheese.

6. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can add some red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a bit of a spicy kick.

7. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry jam?

You can use fresh strawberries, but strawberry jam creates a sweeter and more concentrated flavor. If using fresh strawberries, consider mashing or cooking them down with a bit of sugar to create a jam-like consistency.

8. How can I make this dish low-carb?

To make this dish low-carb, you can skip the jam or use a sugar-free strawberry spread and serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad instead of pasta.

9. How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

10. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers would pair wonderfully with the strawberry chicken.

Conclusion

Strawberry Chicken is a deliciously different take on a classic chicken dish, combining the sweet and savory elements of strawberry jam, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil. Whether you add goat cheese for extra creaminess or fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor, this dish is sure to impress with its unique combination of flavors. It’s a quick, easy, and elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the refreshing twist on chicken with this simple yet flavorful recipe!

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