This Strawberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is smoky, sweet, and tangy with a fresh strawberry balsamic glaze. Perfect for BBQ season, easy grilling, and summer entertaining.
Strawberries may be best known for desserts, but they work surprisingly well in savoury dishes too. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with balsamic vinegar, creating a glaze that is rich, tangy, and packed with flavour.
This Strawberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken with a glossy homemade glaze made from fresh strawberries, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, and balsamic vinegar. As the glaze cooks down, it becomes beautifully concentrated, coating the chicken with a sweet-tangy finish that complements the savoury meat perfectly.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can cook the chicken on an outdoor grill, a grill pan, a cast-iron skillet, or even in the oven. The glaze caramelizes beautifully regardless of the cooking method, making this an easy chicken recipe that’s suitable all year round.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh summer dinner, an easy entertaining recipe, or simply a new way to cook chicken, this strawberry balsamic chicken is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours in every bite.
- A unique way to use fresh strawberries in a savoury dish.
- Easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for guests.
- Works with chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
- Can be cooked on a grill, grill pan, skillet, or in the oven.
- Naturally gluten-free.
- Perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are in season.
- The glaze can be made ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Strawberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken with:
- Garlic butter rice
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Couscous or quinoa salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Corn on the cob
- Mixed greens with feta cheese
- Crusty artisan bread
- Creamy mashed potatoes
Variations
Add Some Heat
Add a pinch of chilli flakes or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a sweet-spicy flavour.
Try Different Herbs
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil all work beautifully in this recipe.
Make It a Salad
Slice the cooked chicken and serve over greens with strawberries, goat cheese, and toasted nuts.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Store any extra glaze separately and reheat gently before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before making the glaze.
Can I bake this recipe?
Yes. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for approximately 18–22 minutes, brushing the glaze on during the final few minutes.
Can I make Strawberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken without honey?
Yes. Maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave syrup can be used instead. The sweetener helps balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
Does the chicken taste strongly of strawberries?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. The strawberry balsamic glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Why is my glaze too thin?
The glaze likely needs a few more minutes of cooking. Simmer until the strawberries have broken down and the mixture has reduced slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Why is my glaze too thick?
Add a tablespoon of water at a time while reheating until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook the chicken in a preheated air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush with the strawberry balsamic glaze during the final 2 minutes of cooking.
Like this recipe? Check out more Chicken marinade recipes –
Strawberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Course: Main, AppetizersCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes14
minutes30
minutes1
hour4
minutesThis Strawberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken is smoky, sweet, and tangy with a fresh strawberry balsamic glaze. Perfect for BBQ season, easy grilling, and summer entertaining.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
500 g chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips
1 tsp olive oil
¾ tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- For the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
1 cup (130g) strawberries, chopped
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp thyme
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken strips or pieces in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss until evenly coated.
- Thread onto skewers if desired or leave as individual pieces.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for about 30 minutes if time permits.
- Make the Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
- Add the chopped strawberries, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, and balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and begin to break down.
- Mash lightly with the back of a spoon and continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly.
- For a smoother glaze, blend the mixture using an immersion blender or small mixer.
- Cook the Chicken
- Cook the chicken using your preferred method – Grill or barbecue: Cook for 5–7 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
- Grill pan or skillet: Cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Oven: Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 18–22 minutes.
- Glaze and Finish
- During the final 2 minutes of cooking, brush the strawberry balsamic glaze generously over the chicken.
- Turn once or twice so the glaze lightly caramelizes and coats the chicken evenly.
- Serve immediately with extra glaze spooned over the top.
Notes
- For the best flavour, use ripe strawberries and a good-quality balsamic vinegar.
- Brush the glaze onto the chicken only during the final 2 minutes of cooking to prevent the natural sugars from burning.
- This recipe works equally well on a grill, grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or in the oven, making it a versatile option for any season.
- The strawberry balsamic glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and is also delicious served with pork, salmon, or roasted vegetables.
Did you enjoy reading this? We’d love for you to rate it below under ‘rate this’ or in the comment section. Thanks!