Strawberry Basil Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry Basil Chicken combines juicy chicken breasts with the fresh sweetness of strawberries and fragrant basil for a vibrant and unique meal. This flavorful dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure they are fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil while the chicken marinates.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange it in the baking dish. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Step 6: Bake the chicken for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and scatter the sliced strawberries over the top. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the strawberries.
- Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Step 9: Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil on top.
- Step 10: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain its juices.
Tips & Variations
- For a tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade.
- Try using fresh thyme or rosemary instead of basil for a different herbal note.
- If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be thawed and used instead.
- Serve with a side of quinoa or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating can help keep the chicken moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, you can grill the marinated chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, then top with strawberries and basil before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This dish stores well and can be portioned for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just keep the strawberries separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.
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Strawberry Basil Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Strawberry Basil Chicken is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring juicy baked chicken breasts topped with fresh strawberries and aromatic basil. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic powder, then baked to perfection. A perfect balance of savory and sweet, this recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together to create a flavorful marinade that will tenderize and season the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and help the chicken cook evenly.
- Arrange Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the prepared baking dish. Reserve the leftover marinade for later use.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. This initial bake partially cooks the chicken while developing flavor.
- Add Strawberries: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Scatter the sliced strawberries evenly over the chicken breasts and drizzle the reserved marinade on top to add moisture and sweetness.
- 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 fully cooked through.
- Add Basil: Once baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the top to add a fragrant, herbal note and vibrant color.
- Let Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor balance with the savory chicken.
- For an extra touch, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and enjoyed cold or reheated gently.
- If you prefer, substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweet profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Basil Chicken, baked chicken breast, chicken with strawberries, basil chicken recipe, healthy chicken dish, sweet and savory chicken
