Easy Grilled Chicken with Fresh Strawberry Balsamic Salsa
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This grilled chicken with strawberry balsamic salsa brings together savory and sweet in the best way. It’s fresh, light, juicy, and full of flavor and it’s simple enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for guests.
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Why this grilled chicken with strawberry salsa works
Here is What You Will Need
Ingredient list:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Strawberries
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Basil or mint
- Balsamic vinegar
- Maple syrup
Missing an ingredient? Try using the Ingredient Swap Assistant for a substitute!
Here is How To Make Grilled Balsamic Chicken Breasts with Strawberry Salsa
In a small bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and maple syrup. Set aside.
Just before grilling, prep the salsa:
- Hull and chop the strawberries
- Finely dice the red onion
- Chop the fresh basil
Then, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
STEP 1: Place the chicken breasts in a glass or ceramic dish. Pour half of the balsamic marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors soak in. Set the remaining marinade aside — you’ll use it later to flavor the strawberry salsa. chicken marinatng
STEP 2: Once the grill is preheated, reduce the heat to medium. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 7–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Use a meat thermometer for best results — this ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
STEP 3: While the chicken grills, prepare the salsa. In a small bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, diced red onion, and fresh basil. Pour in the reserved marinade and gently stir to coat. Once the chicken is cooked through, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Top with salsa and serve.
Tips for juicy chicken and flavorful strawberry salsa
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip resting the meat for a few minutes after grilling; this keeps the chicken juicy.
- The salsa can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a day.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for prepping in advance. Here’s how:
- Marinate the chicken and prepare the salsa the night before.
- Store both in the fridge in separate containers.
- When you’re ready to cook, just take them out while the grill preheats. Dinner comes together in no time.
What to serve with Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salsa
Serve grilled balsamic chicken breasts with strawberry salsa with baked potatoes, grilled or roasted potatoes or pasta salad and a simple salad like this spinach salad.
Storing and Using Leftovers
Store leftover grilled strawberry balsamic chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
You can store the cooked chicken breasts already topped with the strawberry salsa or you can store them in separate containers.
Serve leftovers reheated in the oven or microwave, or toss the leftover chicken and strawberries with baby spinach, field greens or romaine for a tasty strawberry chicken salad.
Freezing is not recommended.
Recipe Variations
There are so many ways to make this recipe your own, here are a few suggestions:
Try It with Peaches (or another fruit) – Swap out strawberries for fresh, ripe peaches or nectarines (pineapple, mango work too).
Add a Creamy Element – Top the chicken with a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese before adding the salsa. The salty creaminess is a nice contrast to the sweet fruit.
Switch the Herbs – Not a fan of basil? Use fresh mint or cilantro instead for a different flavor twist. Mint adds brightness, while cilantro gives it a more savory, earthy vibe.
Add Heat – Chop in a bit of jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salsa if you like a little kick. It balances the sweetness nicely.
Make It a Bowl – Serve grilled sliced chicken and salsa over quinoa, couscous, or farro with some leafy greens and avocado for a full meal bowl.
Swap the Protein – This balsamic salsa works beautifully with pork chops, chicken thighs, grilled seafood.
Go Vegetarian – Use grilled tofu or a thick portobello mushroom cap. Both soak up the balsamic flavor perfectly.
Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa FAQs
You can replace balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar. Since red wine vinegar is thinner are more tart, you may need to add a little bit of honey to the recipe.
Use a grill pan or sear the chicken in a cast iron skillet and finish it in the oven.
It’s best to use fresh strawberries. They have the best texture and flavor for salsa, but you can use frozen and thawed strawberries in a pinch.
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Click on serving size to scale this recipe
Grilled Chicken Breasts with Strawberry Balsamic Salsa
Equipment
- Oblong pyrex or ceramic dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
SALSA INGREDIENTS
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1/4 cup basil leaves
DRESSING/MARINADE
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 clove crushed garlic
Instructions
- Clean, hull and chop the strawberries into bite sized pieces, dice the onions and chop the basil1 pint fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup onion, 1/4 cup basil leaves
- Mix the marinade ingredients together and pour half of the marinade over the chicken breasts. Set the remainder aside. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.1 clove garlic, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Preheat at medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, add the chicken breasts, reduce to medium heat and cook the chicken for approximately 7 to 8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees.1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- Remove the cooked chicken from the grill and top it with the strawberry salsa.
Notes
Substitutes
- 1/2 teaspoon can replace fresh basil, but will compromise the fresh flavor of this dish.
- Swap fresh basil for fresh mint.
- Boneless chicken thighs are a good subsitute for boneless chicken breasts.
Leftover Suggestions & Storage
Store leftover grilled strawberry balsamic chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can store the cooked chicken breasts already topped with the berries or you can store them in separate containers. Freezing is not recommended. Add slices of the cooked chicken breasts to a bed of field greens, arugula or spinach and top it with the strawberry balsamic salsa and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. See the article above for recipe tips, suggestions and more.Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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