Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! Thighs are juicy and forgiving. Just cook them a bit longer until they reach 165°F internally.

What kind of strawberry jam works best?

A seedless, good quality strawberry jam is ideal since the glaze flavor really depends on it. But if what you have is the jelly from your kid’s PB&J era, it’ll still work.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Strawberry Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . The glaze thickens when cold, so add a splash of water when reheating.

Can I make Strawberry Basil Chicken ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and glaze ahead, then add the fresh basil right at the end when reheating for the best flavor (basil likes to be fashionably late).

Is goat cheese necessary?

Not necessary, but it’s a fabulous finishing touch. If you’re not a goat cheese fan, try a sprinkle of feta or just skip it.

Strawberry Chicken: Irresistible 20-Minute Weeknight Win

Description

Strawberry Chicken is a quick, sweet-and-tangy skillet dinner made with juicy chicken breasts glazed in strawberry jam and balsamic vinegar, finished with fresh basil (and optional goat cheese).

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Sea salt, to taste
1/3 cup strawberry jam (seedless preferred)
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2–3 Tbsp water (to thin glaze, plus more as needed)
2 Tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)

Optional toppings/serving:

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Goat cheese, crumbled

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with sea salt.
Add chicken to the skillet. Cook 4–5 minutes until browned, then flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until nearly cooked through.
In a small bowl, stir together strawberry jam, balsamic vinegar, and water until smooth. If thick, add 1 Tbsp more water.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour glaze over chicken and nestle chicken into the sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over the top, until glaze thickens. (Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.)
Chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F and is white/opaque inside.
Turn chicken in the glaze to coat. Add basil to the skillet and simmer 1 more minute.
Remove from heat. Top with goat cheese and sliced strawberries if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry helps it sear and develop flavor.

Sugar burns fast—keep heat on medium-low once the glaze goes in.

If glaze gets too thick, loosen with a splash of water.

For extra “Strawberry Basil Chicken” vibes, add more fresh basil right before serving.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze (without optional toppings)
Calories: 330 Kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 37 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg