Pan-Seared Balsamic Strawberry Chicken
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My pan-seared balsamic strawberry chicken bites are easy to make in under 25 minutes! We love them with a side of brown rice, but pasta works great too! I hope you love this summer supper recipe as much as we do!
Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Bites Video Tutorial
Inspiration Behind My Recipe for Balsamic Strawberry Chicken
Balsamic strawberry chicken and I go way back to the early days of being a wife in college. I cooked alongside my mom in the kitchen my whole life, but I was still learning the ropes of making supper on my own as a newlywed.
One night, I remember thinking how fun it would be to whip up a strawberry balsamic glazed chicken breast. I was so excited to surprise my husband with it. But like many newlyweds, I accidentally burned it and we had to order a pizza, haha!
After that, I swore off balsamic strawberry chicken for good, and it went into our little history book as a hilarious memory. Fast-forward four years, and I decided to try it again. This time, it went better than I could have imagined, so I developed a recipe for it for the blog!
I loved developing this recipe because of the memories around it. We think of that night in college every time we enjoy this supper!
Why We Love This Strawberry Chicken (And Think You Will Too!)
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory: The fresh strawberries and balsamic paired with fresh garlic, pepper, and chicken create an amazing flavor.
- Easy to make, even for beginners: Beginners and newlyweds can make this meal; it really is easy!
- Wholesome ingredients: Each ingredient is wholesome, so you can feel good about eating it.
- Takes only 25 minutes: You can whip up this supper recipe real quick, which I love!
Ingredients You Need to Make Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Bites
Note: Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post for measurements
- avocado oil: or any high-heat oil like coconut oil
- large boneless, skinless chicken breast: or two small
- sea salt: this is my favorite wholesome salt option
- ground black pepper: adds great flavor, freshly ground or pre-ground both work
- strawberries: I use organic for the best flavor, but locally sourced works great too
- balsamic vinegar: try to find a brand that has minimal ingredients
- raw honey: unfiltered raw honey is best
- fresh garlic clove: this adds such a delicious savory flavor
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder if desired.
- You can use frozen strawberries, just be sure to let them thaw and drain off any liquid.
- Swap pure maple syrup for raw honey for a different flavor.
Helpful Kitchen Tools to Make this Recipe
This section contains affiliate links to items I use and love for this recipe. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
My Tips for Making Pan-Seared Balsamic Chicken
- Read the full recipe before you get started. This will help you know what to expect.
- Follow the recipe exactly how I’ve written it the first time you make it. I’ve developed and tested it many times to ensure it’s successful.
- Use avocado oil when pan-searing the chicken. It’s wholesome and has a high smoke point.
- Be sure to butterfly the chicken breast so it cooks evenly in the pan.
How to Make Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Bites
Note: Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post for the full written recipe.
Heat avocado oil in a medium to large sized skillet over medium heat.
While oil is warming, cut chicken breast into small bite sized pieces (about 1/2 inch each). Add diced chicken into a bowl with salt and pepper. Stir to evenly coat.
When oil is hot, add chicken to pan. Let chicken pieces cook on one side for 4-5 minutes. Don’t move them while cooking. Once golden brown, flip each piece. Cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
While chicken is cooking, dice strawberries if you haven’t yet and set aside. Also make the sauce by adding balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine and set aside until chicken is cooked.
Once chicken is fully cooked, turn heat to low-medium and add sliced strawberries and balsamic sauce. Stir to evenly coat everything. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and enjoy!
Can I let the chicken marinate with the sauce and berries before cooking?
Sure! You’re more than welcome to let the chicken marinate in the balsamic mixture for up to 8 hours. Don’t let it sit for longer than that because the balsamic vinegar is acidic and will begin breaking down the chicken. I also suggest leaving the strawberries out so they stay fresh.
Can I grill this chicken?
Yes! You’re more than welcome to grill instead of pan-sear.
Could I turn this into a strawberry chicken salad?
I don’t see why not! But I would let it cool completely so it doesn’t wilt your lettuce.
Will frozen strawberries work for this recipe?
Yes, just let them thaw and drain off any excess liquid.
My Favorite Sides to Serve with Strawberry Balsamic Chicken
My husband, Tyler, and I love this chicken with some freshly made brown rice. It’s the perfect combo! But it would also be delicious with pasta on the side. Here are a few more side dish ideas that go great with strawberry balsamic chicken:
- Pesto Mac and Cheese
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Sourdough Hawaiian Rolls
- Honey Sourdough Cornbread
- Sheet Pan Lemon Potatoes
- Sourdough Garlic Knots
Leftover Storage Instructions
For the Fridge
After the chicken and strawberries have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container (preferably glass) for up to 2 days in the fridge.
For the Freezer
You can also freeze this chicken for 1-3 months in the freezer. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Best Way To Reheat This Chicken Leftover
My favorite way to reheat leftover strawberry chicken is in a pan on low-medium heat until warmed to our liking. Or I’ll place it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed. Both keep the flavor and texture.
More Summer Chicken Recipes to Try
If you’re looking for more summer chicken recipes made from scratch, try a few of these:
- Smoky Pulled Chicken Sliders (with Nashville-Style Vinegar Slaw)
- Teriyaki Chicken Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwiches)
- Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Peach Tacos
- BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza (Grilled or Baked)
- Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
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Recipe
Pan-Seared Balsamic Strawberry Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tsp avocado oil
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (or 2 small)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup strawberries, diced (I use organic)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp raw honey (unfiltered is best)
- 2 fresh garlic clove, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
Instructions
- Heat avocado oil in a medium to large sized skillet over medium heat.
- While oil is warming, cut chicken breast into small bite sized pieces (about 1/2 inch each). Add diced chicken into a bowl with salt and pepper. Stir to evenly coat.
- When oil is hot, add chicken to pan. Let chicken pieces cook on one side for 4-5 minutes. Don’t move them while cooking. Once golden brown, flip each piece. Cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- While chicken is cooking, dice strawberries if you haven’t yet and set aside. Also make the sauce by adding balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine and set aside until chicken is cooked.
- Once chicken is fully cooked, turn heat to low-medium and add sliced strawberries and balsamic sauce. Stir to evenly coat everything.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and enjoy!
Video