Description
This Chicken with Strawberry Basil Sauce combines tender seared chicken breasts with a vibrant sauce made from fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and fragrant basil. Sweet, tangy, and savory all at once, it’s a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home — perfect for summer dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken cutlets or 4 boneless thighs
- 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced; 1 small garlic clove, microplaned
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped (plus extra slices to garnish)
- ¼–⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1–2 tsp honey (or maple), to taste
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
- ¼ cup stock or splash dry red wine (optional)
- ½ cup basil, chiffonade (divided)
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Season & sear
Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tbsp olive oil; when shimmering, add chicken. Sear until well browned, flip, and cook to 160–165°F (carryover will finish it). Transfer to a warm plate; tent loosely. - Build flavor
Lower to medium. Add remaining olive oil and shallot; sauté until tender and lightly golden. Stir in garlic for 20–30 seconds. - Deglaze & reduce
Add balsamic and the splash of stock or wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer to reduce slightly, 1–2 minutes, then add strawberries, honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring, until the strawberries soften and the liquids thicken to a spoon-coating gloss (think slow, syrupy bubbles). - Finish
Off the heat, swirl in butter (if using) for sheen. Fold in half the basil and a whisper of lemon zest. Taste and adjust: if too tart, add a tiny drip more honey; if too sweet, a drip of balsamic or a pinch of salt. - Serve
Slice chicken on the bias and shingle on warm plates. Spoon over the strawberry-balsamic sauce. Scatter remaining basil and a few fresh strawberry slices on top.
Notes
- Add contrast: Serve with arugula, spinach, or a side of garlic mashed potatoes.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or cream for a richer sauce.
- Fruit variation: Try substituting strawberries with raspberries or peaches for a seasonal twist.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared / Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 290kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg