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This juicy balsamic chicken with strawberry basil relish is my idea of the perfect summer dinner. It starts with chicken breasts soaking up a bold balsamic marinade then gets finished with a simple relish of ripe strawberries fresh basil and onion. Every bite is a little bit savory a little sweet and packed with fresh garden flavor. It is the kind of meal that feels special enough for a gathering but easy enough for any weeknight.
My family was skeptical the first time I served this but now as soon as the first berries show up at our farmers market my husband starts hinting for it. My kids love helping with the strawberry slicing almost as much as they love eating it.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose the freshest package for juicy tender results and trim away any extra bits for even cooking
- Balsamic vinegar: Pick a thicker syrupy balsamic if you can for more depth and a richer glaze
- Olive oil: Go for extra virgin for deeper green flavor and extra silkiness in your marinade
- Garlic clove: Use a fresh plump clove for maximum aroma and zesty bite
- Salt and pepper: Crack your pepper fresh to really wake up the chicken and taste every layer of the marinade
- Fresh strawberries: Find ones that are deep red and super fragrant with no bruises for the best flavor in your relish
- Red onion: Opt for the center slices of a firm onion to get mild crunch without overpowering the berries
- Fresh basil: Bright green unblemished leaves make all the difference in the final aroma and pop of color
- Honey: A drizzle is optional but helps balance the acidity and makes the strawberry relish sing choose local if you can
- Pinch of salt: Just a little brings out the sweetness in the berries and ties everything together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Whisk your balsamic vinegar olive oil minced garlic salt and pepper together in a mixing bowl until shiny and combined. Lay the chicken breasts in the marinade flipping each one to make sure every side is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least twenty minutes or up to two hours so the flavors soak in fully.
- Prepare the Strawberry Relish:
- Chop your strawberries into small even pieces. Toss them in a bowl with finely diced red onion slivers of basil a splash of balsamic and honey if you desire a touch more sweetness. Gently fold together with a spoon so the berries keep their shape and store the bowl covered in the fridge until serving.
- Grill or Sear the Chicken:
- Heat your grill or a heavy skillet to medium high. Shake the marinade off each chicken breast and place them onto the hot surface. Cook on the first side about five to seven minutes until you get a deep golden sear then gently flip and finish cooking until no pink remains in the thickest part. Rest assured the juicier the chicken the better the final dish will be.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Transfer the chicken to a plate or cutting board and let it rest untouched for five minutes. This gives all the lovely juices time to redistribute inside the meat so every slice is succulent not dry.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Lay the sliced or whole chicken breasts on a serving platter and heap the chilled strawberry basil relish right over the top. Serve as soon as possible for the brightest flavors with every bite.
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Basil is the real magic here and nothing beats the fragrance from bunches picked straight from the garden. Last summer I let my kids make the relish mixing up the strawberries and basil together and to this day it is their favorite job in the kitchen.
Storage Tips
Leftover chicken chills beautifully just cover and store it for up to three days in your fridge. Keep the strawberry basil relish separate to keep it crisp and bright. If you want to freeze the chicken wrap it snug with plastic and foil then freeze for up to two months. Always defrost gently and reheat to keep it juicy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of basil try fresh mint for a fun herby swap. Maple syrup or agave works for honey if you are out. When strawberries are out of season diced peaches or even juicy grapes give you the same sweet pop in the relish.
Serving Suggestions
I love piling this chicken on a big bed of peppery arugula and adding extra balsamic drizzle for a light dinner. For bigger appetites serve alongside roasted potatoes or fluffy couscous. If you are making it for friends arrange everything family style and let everyone build their own plate.
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Cultural Context
This recipe brings together two worlds Italian flavor with the classic tang of balsamic and basil and the all-American love of fruit in main dishes at summer cookouts. It is a dish that always brings a sense of sharing and celebration to the table.
This dish feels like the essence of summer and every time I make it it instantly brightens up any table or picnic. Once you try it with ripe in-season strawberries you will be hooked.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor, but thawed and well-drained frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 20 minutes is recommended to develop flavors, though marinating up to 2 hours deepens the taste further.
- → Can the strawberry basil relish be made ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the relish a few hours in advance and keep it chilled to let the flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with this meal?
Light salads, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, couscous, or a simple rice dish complement the flavors well.
- → Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely, baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through works well. Top with the relish after baking.
- → Can I substitute fresh basil with other herbs?
Mint can be used as a flavorful alternative to basil for a different but complementary herbaceous note.