The sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, while the intoxicating aroma of barbecued strawberry chicken wafts through the air. Picture this: tender chicken, perfectly grilled, kissed by a sweet and tangy strawberry glaze that dances on your taste buds. Every bite is a delightful surprise—juicy, smoky, and utterly irresistible. This dish doesn’t just satisfy your hunger; it creates a moment to savor.
Now imagine gathering your loved ones around the grill, laughter bubbling up as you share stories and devour this delightful creation. Whether it’s a weekend barbecue or a casual weekday dinner, this irresistible barbecued strawberry chicken is bound to become the star of your culinary repertoire. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be daydreaming about those flavors long after the last bite! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This irresistible barbecued strawberry chicken is incredibly easy to prepare with minimal effort required
- The sweet and savory flavor profile will leave everyone asking for seconds
- Its vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any dinner table
- Enjoy it fresh off the grill or in salads for versatile meal options that keep things exciting
Family and friends couldn’t stop raving about this dish at our last cookout; I even got a few marriage proposals from my friends’ husbands!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness; they’re the heart of the sauce!
- Honey: Use pure honey for that natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the tart strawberries.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic packs a punch; don’t skimp on these little flavor bombs.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Add chopped basil at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.
For the Sauce:
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash adds depth; choose high-quality for the best results.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch brings warmth—adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking and marinating; it enhances all flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Marinade: In a blender, combine fresh strawberries, honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic cloves, cayenne pepper, and olive oil until smooth. The vibrant color should scream summer!
Marinate Your Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag or bowl and pour half of the marinade over them. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so those flavors can mingle like old friends.
Preheat Your Grill : Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). You want it hot enough to get those beautiful grill marks but not so hot that your chicken turns into charcoal.
Grill Your Chicken : Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and place on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Create Your Glaze : While grilling, simmer remaining marinade in a small saucepan on low heat until thickened slightly—around 5-10 minutes will do!
Add Finishing Touches : Once cooked through, brush grilled chicken with your thickened glaze and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
Now you’re ready to dig into this mouthwatering dish! Serve with grilled veggies or over fluffy rice to soak up all that luscious sauce.
Bon appétit!
You Must Know
- This irresistible barbecued strawberry chicken recipe marries sweet and savory flavors
- The juicy chicken paired with tangy strawberries creates an unforgettable dish for summer cookouts
- You can easily impress your guests with this colorful and flavorful meal, perfect for any gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture, then grill it while basting with strawberry sauce for even flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap strawberries for peaches or pineapples for a tropical twist. Adding herbs like basil can elevate the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always marinate your chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption
- Make sure your grill is preheated to avoid sticking
- Use fresh strawberries for the best taste and vibrant color
I once whipped up this irresistible barbecued strawberry chicken for a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds! The combination of sweet strawberries and savory chicken was a hit; even my picky eater cousin couldn’t resist!
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Frozen strawberries are fine but may alter texture; fresh is best.
What side dishes pair well with barbecued strawberry chicken?
Grilled vegetables or a light salad complement this dish beautifully.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Barbecued Strawberry Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Barbecued Strawberry Chicken, where tender grilled chicken meets a luscious strawberry glaze. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it an irresistible centerpiece for your next gathering. Easy to prepare and bursting with juicy goodness, it’s ideal for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. Gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and savor every mouthwatering bite!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Blend strawberries, honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, cayenne pepper, and olive oil until smooth to create the marinade.
- Marinate chicken in half of the mixture for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Discard used marinade.
- Simmer remaining marinade in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Brush grilled chicken with thickened glaze and let rest for five minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg