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Strawberry Basil Chicken with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

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A quick and flavorful Strawberry Basil Chicken recipe that combines juicy seared chicken breasts with a glossy strawberry-balsamic glaze, accented by fresh basil and optional goat cheese and strawberries for an elegant, vibrant dish ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Strawberry-Balsamic Glaze

  • 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

Garnish (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

  1. Heat the pan and oil: Warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The oil should appear slightly rippled and reflective, creating a hot base that will help develop a golden, caramelized crust on the chicken.
  2. Season and sear the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and sprinkle ½ teaspoon sea salt evenly on both sides. Place the chicken in the hot oil and sear without moving for about 4–5 minutes until the first side develops a deep golden-brown crust. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy with a crisp exterior.
  3. Whisk the strawberry-balsamic glaze: While the chicken finishes cooking, combine ¼ cup strawberry jam, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and slightly thick but still pourable. Add extra water if the glaze is too thick.
  4. Nestle chicken into the glaze and deglaze: Pour the strawberry-balsamic glaze over the nearly finished chicken breasts in the pan. Gently nestle the chicken into the sauce while scraping the bottom of the pan to lift the flavorful caramelized bits (fond) into the glaze. This deepens the flavor and enriches the sauce.
  5. Simmer and reduce the sauce: Lower the heat and simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a sticky, lacquer-like reduction that clings to the chicken. The glaze should deepen in color and become glossy as it concentrates.
  6. Fold in basil and finish the glaze: Stir most of the fresh basil into the simmering glaze and cook for another minute so the basil wilts slightly, releasing its aromatic herbal fragrance into the sauce.
  7. Plate and spoon the glaze: Remove the chicken breasts from the pan and transfer them to a serving platter. Spoon the thickened glaze generously over each piece, allowing it to pool at the base and highlight the seared ridges.
  8. Garnish and serve: Scatter the optional crumbled goat cheese and remaining basil over the glazed chicken. Arrange optional sliced fresh strawberries for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately for the juiciest and most flavorful experience.

Notes

  • Make sure the skillet and oil are hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear and caramelization.
  • Adjust the consistency of the glaze with extra water if it becomes too thick during whisking or simmering.
  • If using frozen chicken breasts, thaw completely for even cooking and better searing.
  • Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor impact in the glaze.
  • Optional goat cheese and fresh strawberries add a creamy texture and fresh brightness but can be omitted for a simpler dish.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking if time allows to lock in juices.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/strawberry-basil-chicken-with-balsamic-glaze-recipe/