Strawberry Basil Chicken
This Strawberry Basil Chicken is a fresh, elegant Mediterranean-style dish where juicy strawberries create a light pan sauce with balsamic and honey, balanced by fragrant basil and lemony chicken. It’s non-spicy, high-protein, and perfect for spring/summer dinners or a special weekend meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Chicken
600 g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
Zest of ½ lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Strawberry Basil Sauce
1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled & sliced
1 small shallot or ¼ red onion, finely minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
¼ cup chicken broth or water
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh Finish
½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Optional: crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella pearls
Instructions
1. Season & Cook the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.
2. Make the Strawberry Sauce
In the same pan, add olive oil and shallot. Saute 1–2 minutes until soft.
Add strawberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and broth.
Simmer 4–6 minutes, gently crushing some strawberries, until glossy and lightly thickened.
Season to taste.
3. Combine
Return chicken to the pan.
Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer 2–3 minutes so flavors meld.
4. Finish & Serve
Remove from heat.
Sprinkle with fresh basil and optional feta or mozzarella.
Notes & Tips
Use ripe but firm strawberries for best texture.
Don’t overcook the sauce—it should stay fresh, not jam-like.
Chicken thighs give extra juiciness; breasts stay light and lean.
Pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, farro, or roasted potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it taste sweet?
It’s gently sweet-savory—balanced by lemon and balsamic.
Can I grill the chicken?
Yes! Grill the chicken and spoon warm strawberry basil sauce over it.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely—just skip the cheese garnish.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 2 g