Name: Balsamic Chicken and Strawberries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170 g each); 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar, divided; 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste; 1 pint (≈ 2 cups/300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped; 4 oz (115 g) fresh mozzarella, diced; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; Optional: 1 tsp honey for the balsamic reduction

Jump to Recipe

Succulent chicken breasts are infused with a sweet-tangy balsamic marinade, then crowned with lightly macerated strawberries and fresh basil for a vibrant main course that bridges savoury and fruit-forward flavours. Ideal for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests, this dish pairs beautifully with simple sides such as steamed green beans or a mixed-leaf salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Harmonises savoury chicken with naturally sweet strawberries for a refined flavour contrast.
Relies on pantry staples; only fresh strawberries and basil need to be purchased.
Requires minimal hands-on time—perfect for busy schedules.
Provides an eye-catching presentation without complicated techniques.
Adaptable to grilling, pan-searing, or baking, depending on preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Balsamic vinegar
Extra-virgin olive oil
Honey
Garlic cloves
Fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
Fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
Fine sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Marinate the chicken – In a shallow dish, whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, turning to coat. Cover and chill 20 minutes.
Cook the chicken – Pre-heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Remove breasts from marinade, allowing excess to drip away. Sear 6–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 74 °C (165 °F). Transfer to a warm plate; tent lightly with foil.
Prepare the strawberry topping – While the chicken rests, combine strawberries with 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let stand 5 minutes to develop juices.
Assemble and serve – Slice chicken on the bias. Spoon strawberries and their juices over each portion. Scatter basil on top and drizzle with any reserved pan juices.

Servings and timing

Yield	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
4 servings	10 minutes	20 minutes	30 minutes

Variations

Chicken thighs – Substitute boneless thighs; extend cooking time to 8–9 minutes per side.
Grilled version – Grill over medium-direct heat, brushing with marinade in the first half of cooking.
Balsamic reduction – For a glossy finish, reduce ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon honey until syrupy and drizzle at plating.
Goat-cheese garnish – Crumble soft chèvre over the strawberries for added creaminess.
Spinach bed – Serve the chicken atop wilted spinach sautéed in garlic for a one-pan meal.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Place cooled chicken and strawberries in separate airtight containers; store up to 3 days.
Freezing – Freeze chicken only (without strawberries) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating – Warm chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in a 160 °C (325 °F) oven for 10 minutes. Add fresh strawberry topping just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess liquid diluting the topping.

How can I tell when the chicken is properly cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer; it should register 74 °C / 165 °F in the thickest part.

May I substitute white balsamic vinegar?

Certainly; it yields a lighter colour while maintaining flavour, though slightly less depth.

Is it possible to marinate overnight?

Limit marination to 4 hours; prolonged exposure to vinegar can toughen chicken fibres.

What side dishes complement this entrée?

Simple grains like quinoa, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad balance the sweet-savory profile.

Can I prepare the strawberry topping in advance?

Prepare no more than 30 minutes ahead; longer standing causes the berries to lose texture.

Does the recipe work with bone-in chicken?

It does, but cooking time increases by approximately 10 minutes per side; verify temperature carefully.

How do I keep the chicken moist when reheating?

Add a splash of chicken broth, cover, and heat gently to retain moisture.

Is there a non-honey sweetener option?

Maple syrup or light brown sugar can replace honey at a 1:1 ratio.

Can I make this dish dairy-free and gluten-free?

The core recipe is naturally dairy- and gluten-free; confirm that your balsamic vinegar is gluten-free certified.

Conclusion

Balsamic Chicken and Strawberries showcases how a handful of quality ingredients can deliver a sophisticated, seasonally vibrant plate. The interplay of savoury poultry, tart-sweet balsamic glaze, and juicy strawberries provides a memorable dining experience suitable for both casual family meals and special occasions.