Strawberry Balsamic Delight Chicken

$To make the Strawberry Balsamic Chicken, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. If you need to make changes, here are some ideas: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. - Swap honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness. - If balsamic vinegar is not available, try red wine vinegar mixed with a little sugar. - Use any oil you prefer, like avocado oil, instead of olive oil. I always recommend using fresh strawberries for this recipe. They give better flavor and texture. Fresh strawberries add a juicy and bright taste. If you have frozen strawberries, they will work too. Just remember to thaw them and drain excess water. This will help keep the dish balanced and not watery. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a small saucepan. Add 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup honey. Stir them together. Heat over medium until it simmers. Keep stirring gently. You want it to thicken a little, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it thickens, take it off the heat. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the chicken. Next, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells good. Now, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for 5-6 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, lower the heat. Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken. Then, add 1 cup of sliced strawberries to the skillet. Gently toss them with the chicken and glaze. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the strawberries warm up. After that, take it off the heat. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes. Serve it on a platter with extra glaze and fresh basil leaves. This makes it look beautiful and taste amazing! To make the balsamic glaze just right, use high-quality balsamic vinegar. This gives the dish rich flavor. Mix the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small pot. Heat it over medium heat and stir often. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Watch for it to thicken slightly. This thickness helps the glaze stick to the chicken. Once ready, let it cool. This cooling step is key to a great finish. Start by seasoning your chicken well. Use salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and let it cook for one minute. Place the chicken in the skillet. Sear for 5-6 minutes on each side. The chicken should look golden brown and be cooked through. To check, cut a piece to see if it is no longer pink inside. This ensures safety and taste. When serving, put the chicken on a nice platter. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top for a beautiful look. Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a side of rice or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables. The sweetness of the strawberries balances nicely with savory sides. Enjoy your meal with family and friends for a delightful experience. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries and high-quality balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor of your dish. Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and keep it tender. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the glaze based on your personal preference for sweetness. Experiment with Herbs: Try adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary for an additional layer of flavor in your dish. {{image_2}} You can mix in other fruits to change the flavor. Blueberries or raspberries work well. They add a nice tartness. Just add them like you do with the strawberries. You could also try peaches for a sweet twist. Each fruit brings a new taste to the dish. If you want to try a different protein, go for it! Chicken thighs can add more flavor. They stay juicy and tender. For a lighter option, use fish like salmon. The balsamic glaze pairs nicely with seafood. You can also use pork tenderloin, which will absorb the glaze well. Want a vegetarian version? Use portobello mushrooms instead of chicken. They have a meaty texture and soak up flavors. You can also use firm tofu. Just press it to remove extra water. Then, marinate it in the balsamic glaze before cooking. This gives it a rich taste. Serve it with the same strawberries for a fresh touch. After enjoying your Strawberry Balsamic Chicken, let any leftovers cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken moist and fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to eat it later, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage. You can freeze Strawberry Balsamic Chicken too. First, allow it to cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken stays good for up to three months. Label the bags with dates to keep track. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, take them out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let the chicken thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken juicy. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave, but do it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Enjoy your tasty meal again! Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. The cooking time may change. Thighs usually take a bit longer to cook than breasts. Just ensure they reach 165°F to be safe. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, with no pink inside. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar. Mix it with a bit of honey to add sweetness. Apple cider vinegar is another option but is more tart. Adjust the honey amount to fit your taste. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will still be delicious. Enjoy it over rice or salad for a quick meal. This blog post covered everything you need to know for a tasty chicken dish. We explored the right ingredients, their measurements, and options for fresh or frozen strawberries. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting the glaze, and smart serving ideas. We even looked at fun variations and how to store leftovers. Feel confident to try this recipe! You can mix flavors and make it your own. Enjoy creating a meal that's both simple and delicious.$

Strawberry Balsamic Delight Chicken

A delicious chicken dish featuring a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze with fresh strawberries.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
0.25 cup honey
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
While the balsamic glaze is cooling, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Reduce the heat to low and pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken. Add the sliced strawberries to the skillet, gently tossing them with the chicken and glaze.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the strawberries are warmed through.
Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve on a platter, drizzled with extra balsamic glaze, and garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.

Keyword balsamic, chicken, dinner, strawberries