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Flavorful Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Skillet - featured image
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A quick and easy skillet meal combining juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy strawberry balsamic glaze, perfect for a fresh and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams), pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (good-quality, aged)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet without crowding. Sear for about 5 minutes on the first side without moving them to form a golden crust. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside, tented with foil to keep warm.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey, stirring to combine. Let simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Add sliced strawberries, fresh thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes until strawberries soften but still hold their shape and the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Stir in butter until melted and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more honey if needed.
  8. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon glaze over the top and let warm together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. Serve the chicken with spoonfuls of the strawberry balsamic sauce and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.

Notes

If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor and a good-quality balsamic vinegar to avoid harsh notes. Butter at the end rounds out acidity and adds richness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based spread. Can use almond flour to dust chicken for a gluten-free crust. Frozen thawed strawberries can be used but drain excess liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry balsamic chicken, skillet chicken recipe, quick dinner, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken dinner

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