Strawberry Chicken

If you’ve never tried Strawberry Chicken, I’m about to make your dinner routine a whole lot more interesting (in the best way). This is one of those “wait… strawberry with chicken?” recipes that turns into “why have I been living without this?” after the first bite.

And if you’re reading this while juggling work emails, kids’ homework, or the eternal question of what’s for dinner, I see you. This recipe is fast, made with a handful of pantry staples, and tastes like something you’d order at a cute bistro… except you’re in leggings and your kitchen timer is probably also your phone.

I love a meal that feels fancy without acting like it needs its own reality show. This one is sweet, tangy, glossy, and ridiculously easy.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chicken

• It’s quick: about 20 minutes start to finish (yes, really).
• It feels elevated: the balsamic + strawberry jam glaze gives “restaurant vibes.”
• It’s picky-eater friendly: sweet glaze = less chicken side-eye at the table.
• It meal-preps well: leftover chicken stays juicy, and the glaze reheats like a dream.
• It can be dressed up: basil, fresh strawberries, goat cheese… or keep it simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Aside from olive oil for cooking, sea salt for seasoning, and water for thinning the glaze, you only need a few things:

• Chicken breast – Quick, lean, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Strawberry jam – Seedless and good quality if you can (it’s the star of the glaze).
• Balsamic vinegar – Tangy, rich, and basically magic in sauces.
• Fresh basil – Adds that fresh, herby “wow” at the end.

Optional but very recommended:

• Fresh sliced strawberries – Adds brightness and makes it extra pretty.
• Goat cheese – A little tangy creaminess on top is chef’s kiss.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Strawberry Chicken (Step-by-Step)

This is a “one-pan and done” situation, which is my love language on a Tuesday.

1) Sear the chicken

Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering.

While the skillet heats:

• Pat the chicken dry (this is how you get that golden crust).
• Season with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook 4–5 minutes until browned. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through.

2) Mix the glaze

While the chicken cooks, stir together:

• strawberry jam
• balsamic vinegar
• water

Mix until smooth. If it’s too thick, add another tablespoon of water.

3) Glaze and simmer

Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the strawberry-balsamic mixture over the chicken and nestle the chicken into that glossy goodness.

Cook 2–3 minutes, letting the glaze reduce and thicken.

Important note from someone who has learned the sticky way: don’t walk away. Jam has sugar. Sugar loves to burn the second you check your texts.

4) Finish with basil

Turn the chicken in the glaze so it’s fully coated. Add the fresh basil to the pan and let it simmer for about 1 minute.

5) Add toppings (optional)

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with goat cheese if using. Add fresh sliced strawberries if you want it to feel extra special.

How do you know it’s done?

Chicken should be white and opaque in the thickest part, or register 165°F on a meat thermometer.

Make It Strawberry Basil Chicken (Easy Upgrade)

Want to lean into the fancy flavor combo? Congratulations—you’re making Strawberry Basil Chicken.

Here’s how to make it pop:

• Add a little extra basil at the end (torn, not chopped—more aroma).
• Top with a few fresh strawberry slices for a sweet-tart bite.
• If you’re feeling bold, a tiny drizzle of balsamic on the finished plate is gorgeous.

It’s the same simple recipe, just wearing nicer shoes.

Serving Ideas (Because We All Need Dinner Plans)

This glaze is basically begging to be spooned over something. A few easy pairings:

• Rice or quinoa – soaks up the sauce like a champ
• Mashed potatoes – sweet + tangy + creamy = comfort magic
• Roasted green beans or asparagus – balances the sweetness
• Simple salad with balsamic vinaigrette – keeps it light and fresh
• Crusty bread – for the sauce (no shame here)

Cooking Tips From My Real-Life Kitchen

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Moist chicken steams. Dry chicken sears. (Sear = flavor.)
• Pound thick chicken breasts slightly so they cook evenly. You don’t need perfection—just “not one side is a chicken mountain.”
• Lower the heat before adding the glaze. High sugar + high heat = scorched pan sadness.
• Thin the glaze as needed. Some jams are thicker than others, and nobody wants glaze that behaves like taffy.
• Don’t panic if it looks thin at first. It thickens fast once it simmers.

And if your glaze looks a little lumpy for a second? That’s not failure—that’s just the jam having a dramatic moment. Keep stirring. It’ll calm down.

A Little Story From Me (Aneta)

The first time I tested Strawberry Chicken, I made it on a night when I was tired and completely out of “creative dinner energy.” I had chicken. I had jam. I had balsamic. And I had that stubborn optimism that sometimes leads to genius… and sometimes leads to ordering pizza.

Well—this time it worked. The glaze turned shiny and rich, and suddenly plain chicken breast felt exciting again. Now it’s one of my favorite “I need dinner to taste like I tried harder than I did” recipes. My family happily eats it, and I happily accept the compliments like I didn’t just stir jam into vinegar and call it dinner magic.

FAQs About Strawberry Basil Chicken

Bring a Little Sweet Magic to Dinner Tonight

If your weeknight meals are feeling repetitive, Strawberry Chicken is a fun, flavorful way to shake things up without making your life harder. It’s sweet, tangy, glossy, and surprisingly comforting—like your favorite cozy dinner, but with a little sparkle.

And if you try the basil finish, you’ll see why Strawberry Basil Chicken is the kind of recipe that makes people ask, “Okay, what’s in this?!” (You can tell them the truth: it’s jam. You’re welcome.)

Happy cooking—and may your glaze be shiny, your chicken be juicy, and your family be impressed.

Keep the Strawberry Chicken Love Going

• Craving another sweet-and-tangy glaze night? Try Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken — same cozy “sticky sauce” energy, just with a fruity twist.
• Want a fresh lunch idea (especially with leftovers)? Make Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad — it’s bright, filling, and feels a little fancy in a lunch bowl.
• Need an easy weeknight backup plan? Go for Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken — minimal effort, big flavor, zero drama.
• Still in a strawberry mood? You’ll love Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad — fresh, juicy, and totally craveable.
• Add a side that disappears fast: Pair dinner with Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes or Crack Green Beans — consider making extra if you want leftovers (just saying!).

And if you made Strawberry Chicken, please leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — it helps so much, and I love hearing how you made it your own!

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