Balsamic Strawberry Basil Chicken Recipe

Welcome to a burst of summer flavors with this delightful Balsamic Chicken Strawberry Basil recipe. The marriage of succulent chicken marinated in balsamic vinegar and topped with a vibrant strawberry basil relish is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s a dish that dances on your taste buds, balancing sweet, tangy, and fresh notes with every bite.

Picture this – juicy chicken breasts infused with the richness of balsamic vinegar, paired with a refreshing relish of fresh strawberries, aromatic basil, and a hint of red onion for that extra zing. The result? A dish that not only impresses your guests but also brings a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinner table. The best part? It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for both busy evenings and special occasions.

As you take your first forkful of this Balsamic Chicken Strawberry Basil creation, you’ll be transported to a place where summer flavors reign supreme. The sweet burst of strawberries, the herbaceous aroma of basil, and the tang of balsamic vinegar all come together harmoniously to create a symphony of tastes. So, whether you’re looking to jazz up your weeknight meals or add a wow factor to your dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone craving for more.

Quick Benefits

• Flavorful Combination: The sweet berries, tangy balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil create a burst of flavors that awaken the taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: Juicy marinated chicken cooks up in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
• Versatile Ingredient Swaps: Easily customize the dish based on what’s available or your preferences, such as using mint instead of basil or swapping strawberries for peaches or grapes.
• Make-ahead Option: The dish can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated, allowing flavors to develop and making it convenient for busy schedules.

Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Strawberry Basil Chicken Recipe Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil creates a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe cooks up in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe based on what ingredients you have on hand. Swap fresh basil for mint, strawberries for peaches, or honey for maple syrup to suit your preferences.
• Family Favorite: Even the skeptics will be won over by this dish! The original article shares how hesitant family members became eager fans of this unique flavor combination.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the relish ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal prepping or entertaining.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a casual cookout or a special dinner party, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that feels special while being deceptively simple to prepare.
• Seasonal Delight: Celebrate the flavors of summer with this dish that showcases the best of the season. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh strawberries when they’re at their peak.
• Healthy and Fresh: With lean chicken breasts, fresh strawberries, and aromatic basil, this recipe is not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for a balanced meal.

Ingredients for Balsamic Strawberry Basil Chicken Recipe

Chicken Preparation

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Strawberry Basil Relish

• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
• 225 grams fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Pinch of salt
• 0.5 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Pro Tips for Balsamic Strawberry Basil Chicken Recipe

To make this Balsamic Chicken Strawberry Basil recipe even more delicious, try marinating the chicken for at least 20 minutes, or ideally up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat for a more flavorful dish. For an extra burst of freshness, prepare the strawberry basil relish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Gently stir before serving to ensure the flavors are at their best.

For a versatile twist, feel free to customize the recipe based on what you have on hand. If fresh basil is unavailable, chopped mint can provide a delightful herby flavor. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup or agave. If strawberries are out of season, diced peaches or halved grapes can be excellent alternatives in the relish. Serve this vibrant dish on a bed of arugula with a drizzle of balsamic for a light meal, or pair it with roasted potatoes or couscous for a heartier option.

How to Make Balsamic Strawberry Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Marinade

Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, whisk until well mixed.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish, pour marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 3: Make Strawberry Basil Relish

Mix diced strawberries, finely chopped red onion, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, honey (optional), and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Refrigerate until needed.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until well-seared and cooked through.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Place the cooked chicken on a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken across the grain into portions.

Step 6: Serve

Arrange sliced chicken on a plate and generously top each piece with the strawberry basil relish. Serve promptly.

Storage Tips

After preparing the vibrant balsamic chicken with strawberry basil relish, store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container. The cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to three days, ensuring it stays fresh and safe to eat. To maintain the best texture of the strawberry basil relish, store it separately from the chicken to prevent the berries from becoming mushy.

If you wish to freeze the cooked chicken for future consumption, tightly wrap it in plastic and foil before placing it in the freezer. The frozen chicken can be stored for up to two months. When ready to enjoy the frozen dish, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it thoroughly. By following these storage instructions, you can savor the delicious flavors of balsamic chicken with strawberry basil for longer periods and minimize food waste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, chopped mint can be used as a flavorful alternative for a slightly different herbal twist in the dish. Additionally, if honey is not available, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave to add a touch of sweetness to the strawberry basil relish. When fresh strawberries are out of season, diced peaches or halved grapes can be excellent substitutes in the relish, offering a similar sweet and fruity contrast to the savory chicken.

For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can swap the chicken breasts with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms and marinate them in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for a similar flavor profile. To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the balsamic vinegar you use is gluten-free certified. Serve the balsamic-marinated tofu or mushrooms with the strawberry basil relish over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, serve the balsamic chicken with strawberry basil relish piled high on a bed of fresh arugula drizzled with extra balsamic vinegar. The peppery arugula complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the tanginess of the balsamic, creating a light and vibrant dinner option.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving this dish with roasted potatoes or fluffy couscous. The roasted potatoes will soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken and relish, while the couscous provides a neutral base to let the bold flavors of the dish shine through. To elevate the meal further for a special occasion, arrange everything on a large platter for a family-style serving that encourages sharing and mingling among guests.

FAQs for Balsamic Strawberry Basil Chicken Recipe

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries are preferred for the best texture and flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if well-drained.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes to let flavors develop, but up to 2 hours is ideal for deeper taste.

Can I prepare the strawberry basil relish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Stir gently before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I serve with this balsamic chicken dish?

Light salads, grilled vegetables, or a serving of rice or quinoa pair wonderfully with the flavors in this meal.

Conclusion

Incorporating balsamic chicken strawberry basil into your meal rotation is a delightful way to add a burst of flavors to your table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering for friends, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and refreshing taste. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic, and aromatic basil is a true celebration of seasonal ingredients that will elevate any dining experience.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own by trying different variations with ingredients you have on hand. The flexibility of this dish allows you to get creative and tailor it to suit your preferences. So, grab some fresh strawberries, basil, and chicken breasts, and embark on a culinary adventure with balsamic chicken strawberry basil as your guide. Let the flavors dance on your palate and enjoy the delightful experience this dish brings to your table.

Balsamic Strawberry Basil Chicken Recipe

“Balsamic marinated chicken topped with a fresh strawberry basil relish— a sweet and tangy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and entertaining.”

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Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time35 Minutes

CuisineModern European

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

Chicken Preparation

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Strawberry Basil Relish

• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
• 225 grams fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Pinch of salt
• 0.5 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, whisk until well mixed.
2. Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish, pour marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Make Strawberry Basil Relish: Mix diced strawberries, finely chopped red onion, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, honey (optional), and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Refrigerate until needed.
4. Cook Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until well-seared and cooked through.
5. Rest and Slice: Place the cooked chicken on a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken across the grain into portions.
6. Serve: Arrange sliced chicken on a plate and generously top each piece with the strawberry basil relish. Serve promptly.