The Best Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

I’ve been making my Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken for years, and I still get excited every time I prepare it.

The first time I tried combining sweet strawberries with spicy jalapeños, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out – but now it’s become my go-to dinner when I want something special yet simple.

Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken Is a Surprising Twist You’ll Crave Again

This recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet strawberry goodness and zesty jalapeño heat.

I love how quickly it comes together – you can have dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.

Your family will be amazed by the creative flavor combination that feels both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients You Need for Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total) – I prefer organic when possible
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided (avocado or vegetable oil work great)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

For the Strawberry-Jalapeño Sauce:

• 16 ounces fresh strawberries, stemmed and sliced – save the prettiest ones for garnish
• 3 jalapeños, seeded and chopped (keep seeds if you want extra heat!)
• 2 shallots, finely chopped – yellow onion works as a substitute
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo, chopped, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce – use your favorite brand
• 2 tablespoons honey – maple syrup works too

For the Fresh Salsa:

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, plus extra for serving
• Reserved strawberries and jalapeños from above

If you enjoyed this Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken, I think you’ll also love my Easy Veggie Stir Fry with Chicken and Easy Homemade Baked BBQ Chicken Tenders!

How to Make Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels – this helps achieve that golden crust I love. Season both sides generously with black pepper, garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons of salt.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Add the seasoned chicken to your hot skillet. Cook for 7-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally until golden brown and beautiful. You’ll know it’s done when an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F in the thickest part. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Step 3: Make the Fresh Salsa While the chicken rests, combine cilantro, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 1/3 cup chopped jalapeños, 2 tablespoons chopped shallots, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Toss gently and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Sauce In the same skillet (don’t clean it – those brown bits add flavor!), heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the remaining jalapeños and shallots with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shallots start to soften.

Step 5: Deglaze and Finish the Sauce Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, scraping up all those delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Stir in the chopped chipotle chile, adobo sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, and remaining strawberries. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the strawberries break down slightly.

Step 6: Bring It All Together Return the chicken to the skillet to warm through for 1-2 minutes. Spoon the fresh strawberry-jalapeño salsa over the top and garnish with extra cilantro.

How I Get Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken Just Right Every Time

Choose strawberries that are ripe but still firm – they’ll hold up better during cooking.

I always taste my jalapeños first since heat levels vary; adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Don’t skip patting the chicken dry – it’s my secret for achieving that perfect golden crust. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when finished.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe because they hold their shape better and provide the right texture. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid first.

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How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is moderate – the sweetness of the strawberries balances the jalapeño spice beautifully. You can control the heat by removing jalapeño seeds or using fewer peppers.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

No problem! I often substitute fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley when cooking for cilantro-sensitive family members.

Both work wonderfully with the strawberry flavors.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.

How I Love to Serve Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken

I love serving this Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed cauliflower to soak up the delicious sauce.

Roasted sweet potatoes make an excellent side dish that complements the sweet-spicy flavors perfectly. For a lighter option, serve it over mixed greens for a restaurant-quality salad.

This dish is perfect for date nights, spring dinner parties, or any time you want to impress your family with something special.