Tangy Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken Recipe for Dinner Joy

Succulent chicken meets an unexpected flavor symphony in this strawberry balsamic walnut chicken recipe that dances between sweet and tangy.

Bold ingredients mingle to create a dish that surprises and delights the palate.

Ripe strawberries add a vibrant burst of freshness to the savory protein.

The balsamic glaze weaves a rich, complex undertone through each tender bite.

Toasted walnuts bring a delightful crunch that elevates the entire composition.

Delicate yet robust, this recipe promises a culinary adventure that breaks free from ordinary weeknight dinners.

Serve this show-stopping meal and watch as everyone around the table falls in love with every remarkable forkful.

Flavor Tips for Balsamic Walnut Chicken with Strawberries

• Toast walnuts before chopping to enhance their rich, deep flavor and provide extra crunch in the coating.
• Roast strawberries briefly before blending to concentrate their natural sweetness and develop a more complex sauce profile.
• Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help retain internal juices and prevent drying out during serving.
• Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a completely gluten-free version of this delectable chicken dish.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or tarragon instead of thyme to create different flavor dimensions in the balsamic sauce.

How to Serve Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange the walnut-crusted chicken on a large white platter, drizzle the vibrant strawberry balsamic sauce in artistic swirls, and scatter fresh herb garnishes for a restaurant-quality presentation that will impress guests.
• Summer Garden Party Delight: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with goat cheese crumbles and toasted walnut pieces, creating a light yet satisfying meal perfect for outdoor dining during warm evenings.
• Gourmet Lunch Companion: Pair the chicken with roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini, and add a small portion of herbed quinoa to complete the plate with complementary textures and flavors that enhance the dish's sophistication.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Slice the chicken and store separately from the sauce, allowing easy reheating and maintaining the crispy walnut crust for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week that taste just as good as when first prepared.

Storage Tips for Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken

• Smart Batch Preparation: Cook multiple chicken breasts at once and refrigerate extra portions for quick weeknight meals. Each piece stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored in airtight containers.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individually cooled chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer bags. These protein-packed meals remain excellent for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Sauce Separation Solution: Store strawberry balsamic sauce separately from chicken to maintain crispy walnut coating. Keep sauce in glass containers with tight-fitting lids in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore original crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy breading and maintain delightful texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base, choose fresh, uniform-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Egg: Acts as adhesive for breading, select large, fresh eggs.
• Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, use fresh, unsalted nuts for best texture.
• Italian Bread Crumbs: Provides crispy coating, select fine, evenly ground crumbs.
• Dried Thyme: Brings herbal depth, ensure herbs are fragrant and not stale.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce foundation, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Yellow Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic base, choose firm, unblemished onions.
• Garlic: Adds intense, pungent flavor, select plump, firm cloves without sprouts.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Delivers tangy complexity, opt for aged, high-quality varieties.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances liquid component, select low-sodium for better seasoning control.

• Honey: Balances acidity and adds sweetness, choose raw, local honey when possible.
• Strawberries: Provides fresh, bright flavor, select ripe, deep red berries without bruising.
• Parsley or Basil: Offers fresh herbal note, choose vibrant, crisp green herbs.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, use freshly ground for maximum flavor.

Equipment for Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting chicken evenly and collecting any drips.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Shallow Bowls (2): Perfect for egg mixture and walnut-breadcrumb coating.
• Whisk: Helps combine egg, water, salt, and pepper smoothly.
• Small Saucepan: Ideal for preparing the strawberry balsamic sauce.
• Blender or Food Processor: Needed to puree strawberries and balsamic vinegar.
• Cutting Board: For chopping walnuts, onions, and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: For precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cooking Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir sauce while simmering.
• Meat Thermometer: Checks chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.

How to Make Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken

• Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Walnut Coating Station

Create two bowls: one with whisked egg and another with crushed walnuts and breadcrumbs. This will give your chicken a delightful crunchy exterior.

• Chicken Breading

Season chicken with salt and pepper, then lovingly dip each piece into the egg wash. Let excess drip off before rolling in the nutty mixture, pressing gently to help coating stick.

• Baking

Place coated chicken on the prepared sheet and slide into the hot oven. Bake until golden and cooked through, about 30-40 minutes.

• Strawberry Balsamic Sauce

Sauté minced garlic and onion in butter until soft and fragrant. Blend strawberries with balsamic vinegar until smooth, then combine with sautéed aromatics.

• Sauce Development

Add chicken broth, honey, and thyme to the strawberry mixture. Simmer until the sauce thickens and develops rich, complex flavors.

• Final Presentation

Drizzle the vibrant strawberry balsamic sauce over crispy walnut-crusted chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs and strawberry slices for a stunning dish that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Succulent Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful Strawberry Balsamic Walnut Chicken brings Mediterranean flair to dinner tables with complex flavor profiles. Succulent chicken breasts glazed in sweet-tangy sauce showcase fresh strawberries while you savor each carefully crafted bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) crushed walnuts
• ¼ cup (60 ml) seasoned Italian bread crumbs
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) fresh strawberries (chopped, plus more for serving)
• ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60 ml) yellow onion (minced)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 g) butter
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for serving)
• Sea salt (to taste)
• Fresh black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
2. Coating Setup: Create a two-stage coating station with whisked egg wash in one dish and combined walnut-breadcrumb mixture in another.
3. Chicken Preparation: Season chicken breasts, then thoroughly coat each piece by first dipping in egg wash and then pressing into walnut-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Baking Process: Arrange coated chicken on prepared baking sheet with crusted side upward, baking for 25-35 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Sauce Development: While chicken bakes, create sauce by sautéing garlic and onions, then blending strawberries and balsamic vinegar into a smooth puree.
6. Sauce Refinement: Combine strawberry-balsamic puree with chicken broth, honey, and dried thyme in saucepan, simmering for 12-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Plating and Presentation: Transfer walnut-crusted chicken to serving plates, generously drizzle with strawberry balsamic sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs and optional strawberry slices for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Coat Carefully: Press walnut-breadcrumb mixture gently but firmly to ensure maximum adherence and crispy texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer sauce slowly and stir occasionally to prevent burning and achieve perfect thickening.
• Flavor Balancing Tip: Taste sauce before final drizzling and adjust sweetness with honey or acidity with balsamic vinegar for ideal taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking, Blending, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg