Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken

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This Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken features a crispy, nutty crust paired with a vibrant balsamic strawberry sauce, creating a unique flavor balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. It’s an elegant dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or when you’re looking to elevate weeknight chicken with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken:

Unique Flavor Combination: This dish brings together unexpected flavors—nutty walnuts, sweet strawberries, and tangy balsamic—for a balance that’s hard to beat.
Crispy and Juicy: The walnut crust provides a lovely crunch while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
Beautiful Presentation: Vibrant strawberry sauce over golden, crispy chicken makes for a visually stunning plate. Perfect for impressing dinner guests!
Healthful Ingredients: Walnuts are packed with healthy fats, while strawberries bring antioxidants and vitamins.

Key Ingredients:

To get the best results, here are a few insights into the key ingredients in this recipe:

Chicken Breasts: Try to use similar-sized chicken breasts so they cook evenly. If they’re very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for quicker, more consistent cooking.
Walnuts: Finely crush the walnuts for a smooth coating that sticks well. A food processor works great here, or you can place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are best for this sauce, as they bring natural sweetness and a vibrant color. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen berries (thawed first) as an alternative.
Balsamic Vinegar: High-quality balsamic vinegar will enhance the sauce, as it brings a balance of acidity and sweetness. If possible, avoid the cheaper, overly acidic varieties.
Dried Thyme: Thyme adds a subtle earthiness that complements the strawberries and chicken. Fresh thyme works as well—use about twice as much as the dried amount if you go fresh.
Honey or Sugar: Both honey and sugar work here, but honey adds a richer flavor to the sauce. For a slightly lighter taste, go with sugar.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet or pan with parchment paper.

Prepare the Coatings
In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water and a few pinches of salt and pepper.
In a separate shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs.

Season and Coat the Chicken
Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides.
Working one at a time, dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then dip it into the walnut-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so that the crumbs adhere to one side and the edges.
Place the uncoated side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for each chicken breast.

Bake the Chicken
Bake for 30-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165-174°F (74-79°C).

Meanwhile, Make the Strawberry Balsamic Sauce

Sauté the Garlic and Onion
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter.
Add 1 clove minced garlic and 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, cooking and stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until softened.

Prepare the Strawberry Balsamic Mixture
In a blender, combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 cup fresh strawberries. Blend until smooth.

Simmer the Sauce
Pour the strawberry-balsamic mixture into the saucepan with the garlic and onion.
Add 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Stir frequently and cook for about 15 minutes until the sauce has reduced by half and thickened to coat the back of a spoon.

Season the Sauce
Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

To serve, generously spoon the strawberry balsamic sauce over the walnut-crusted chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and fresh strawberry slices if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it versatile for any meal. Here are some serving ideas:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes pairs well with the crunchy chicken and tangy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, green beans, or carrots roasted with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a healthy, colorful side.
Rice or Quinoa: A bed of rice or quinoa will soak up the strawberry balsamic sauce perfectly.
Side Salad: A light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

If you have leftovers or want to prep ahead, here are some tips to keep your Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken fresh and tasty:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken may lose a bit of crunch, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm, about 10-12 minutes, to maintain the best texture. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the coating may soften.
Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen, the strawberry balsamic sauce doesn’t freeze as well. If you plan to freeze, prepare and freeze the chicken separately, then make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Variations to Try:

Make this Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken your own by experimenting with these tasty variations:

Goat Cheese Addition: Sprinkle a bit of crumbled goat cheese over the chicken before adding the sauce. The creamy, tangy cheese pairs beautifully with the strawberries and walnuts.
Maple Syrup Twist: Swap honey with a touch of maple syrup in the sauce for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
Almond Crust: For a different nutty flavor, replace walnuts with finely chopped almonds. Almonds will bring a lighter, slightly sweeter crunch.
Berry Medley Sauce: Add other berries like blueberries or raspberries along with the strawberries for a mixed berry sauce that’s just as delicious.
Herb Switch: Use fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different herbal twist that complements the sweet and savory sauce.

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken is a sweet-and-savory dish that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you’re in the mood for something different, this recipe will make your dinner a memorable one. The juicy chicken, crunchy walnut crust, and sweet-tart strawberry sauce create a fantastic flavor combination that’s sure to impress.