Strawberry Basil Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Basil Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will brighten up your dinner table. Juicy chicken breasts are baked with fresh strawberries, fragrant basil, and a tangy honey-balsamic marinade for a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange it in the baking dish. Set the remaining marinade aside for later use.
6. Step 6: Bake the chicken for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and scatter the sliced strawberries evenly over the top. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the strawberries.
8. Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
9. Step 9: Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top.
10. Step 10: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Substitute fresh blackberries or raspberries for strawberries to change up the fruity twist.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve with a side of quinoa or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken. The strawberries may lose some texture after reheating but will still add nice flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be aware they will be softer and may release more liquid during baking.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, Strawberry Basil Chicken makes a flavorful meal prep option. Store portions separately with sides and reheat as needed. Add fresh basil right before serving to keep it vibrant.

Strawberry Basil Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 93 reviews

Strawberry Basil Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender baked chicken breasts topped with fresh strawberries, fragrant basil, and a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic glaze. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory and sweet elements, perfect for a delightful, healthy weeknight dinner.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade and Topping

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and make sure each piece is fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: While the chicken marinates, grease a baking dish lightly with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking during baking.
5. Arrange Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade—reserve the marinade for later—and arrange them side-by-side in the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake Chicken: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20 minutes to begin cooking through.
7. Add Strawberries: After 20 minutes, take the chicken out and evenly scatter the sliced strawberries over the top. Drizzle the reserved marinade across the strawberries to infuse extra flavor.
8. Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
9. Add Basil: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top to add a bright, aromatic finish.
10. Let Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This rest period helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, making each bite tender and juicy.

Notes

• For even cooking, ensure chicken breasts are similar in size or pound them to uniform thickness.
• Marinate the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, for deeper flavor absorption.
• You can substitute fresh basil with mint for a different herbal note.
• If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen thawed strawberries can be used but drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken’s internal temperature for safe cooking.

Keywords: Strawberry Basil Chicken, baked chicken breast, honey balsamic chicken, fresh strawberry chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, low fat chicken