Looking for a savory strawberry recipe? Try this easy chicken with fresh strawberry sauce. A simple spring dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
If you're looking for a savory strawberry recipe, try this easy chicken with strawberry sauce. Fresh strawberries are cooked with onions, broth, and a little cardamom to make a light sauce that's perfect with herb-marinated chicken.
The recipe is simple, takes about 30 minutes to cook, and is perfect during strawberry season. Serve it with rice, couscous, or potatoes. I love using berries in savory dishes; check out the Blackberry Chicken and the Blueberry Turkey Breast, too.
Ingredients: 10 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
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Recipe ingredients
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries that are still firm are the best choice because they hold their shape while cooking. Slightly underripe berries also work well; the caramelized sugar balances their tartness.
- I actually made this recipe for the first time many years ago because the strawberries I'd bought weren't sweet enough to eat as they were.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Marinade: Fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also use this Parsley Garlic Paste or a pesto, such as Sage Pesto, to marinate the chicken.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make savory strawberry chicken?
Step #1: For the marinade, mix finely chopped herbs, grated garlic, olive oil, and seasoning. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step #2: Roast the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/ 74°C).
Step #3: Clean and halve the strawberries.
Step #4: Cook the finely chopped onion until glossy, add the sugar, and let it caramelize slightly.
Step #5: Add strawberries, cardamom, and vegetable broth. Let the sauce thicken slightly for about 3 to 5 minutes. The strawberries should soften but still hold their shape and not become mushy.
Step #6: Slice the chicken, arrange it on the plate, add the savory strawberry sauce, and serve with rice, if desired.
Why strawberries work in savory dishes
Fresh strawberries aren't just for desserts. They taste great with savory ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, and warm spices. In this recipe, they're cooked just long enough to soften slightly while keeping their shape.
I love combining chicken and fruit in savory dishes. You could also try this incredible Cherry Chicken or this Roast Chicken with Apples.
Looking for more ways to use fresh strawberries? Try my Strawberry Tiramisu or the Macerated Strawberries.
How to store and reheat?
Refrigerate in airtight containers for 2-3 days. Keep the savory strawberry sauce separated from the rest.
Reheat the chicken and the sauce in separate pans or in separate containers in the microwave.
Savory Strawberry Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Medium saucepan
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 4.5 oz/ 125 g each
- small bunch of parsley about 3-4 heaped tablespoons finely chopped parsley, Note 2
- 2 large garlic cloves grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Strawberry sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion finely chopped
- 14 oz strawberries halved
- 1 heaped teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 5 tablespoons vegetable broth from a cube is fine
- 1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar to taste
- 3-4 sprigs fresh oregano finely chopped
- fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Chicken:
- Make the marinade: Finely chop the parsley. Add the grated garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.small bunch of parsley + 2 large garlic cloves + 2 tablespoons olive oil + ½ teaspoon fine sea salt + ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and rub them all over with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours (Note 3).
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/ 180°C. If serving with rice, start cooking it now.
- Cook the chicken: Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C/165°F. Avoid overcooking.
Savory strawberry sauce:
- Chop: Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, halve the strawberries, and chop the oregano.1 small red onion + 14 oz strawberries
- Cook onions: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan. Cook the onion until soft and translucent. Add the sugar and let it caramelize lightly.1 tablespoon olive oil + onions + 1 heaped teaspoon granulated sugar
- Simmer strawberry sauce: Add the strawberries and cardamom and stir gently. Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. The strawberries should soften but still hold their shape. Stir in the chopped oregano.strawberries + ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom + 5 tablespoons vegetable broth + 3-4 sprigs fresh oregano
- Season with balsamic vinegar, salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the oregano and serve the sauce with the chicken and rice.1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar + fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Notes
- Use firm strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries that are still firm hold their shape best. Very soft or overripe berries will break down more quickly.
- Variations: I often use this Parsley Paste to marinate the chicken. In this case, leave out the salt in the marinade; the parsley paste is very salty. Â
- Marinating time: If you're short on time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes. Two hours gives the best flavor, but there's no need to marinate it overnight.
grace says
i love chutney! i've never seen one made with strawberries, but it's very appealing, especially with that balsamic vinegar in there!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
I think I've only had strawberries in a sweet....not a savory dish. This looks wonderful. Love all your strawberry dishes!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
I've never had a strawberry chutney, but I'm sure it tastes wonderful. Strawberries add such a nice flavor to savory dishes. Great job!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
You had me at strawberry chutney, Adina. And pairing it with chicken sounds like the best dish ever. Doesn’t get any better for summer! Easy and delicious! Just the way I like it!
Nammi says
Very unusual combination but have seen strawberries used in savoury dishes now adays . Gorgeous looking strawberries i must say.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I can't wait to try that berry chutney! It looks so delicious.